By Olasupon Abideen
As the world celebrates World Environment Day, the Hydroelectric Power Production Areas Development Commission (HYPPADEC) has called on Kwarans to plant trees to help conserve the environment and combat climate change.
The Kwara State Coordinator of the commission, Mrs. Hajarah Al Hassan Ndama, made this appeal in Jebba, Moro Local Government Area, during a sensitization program for communities in the area.
She emphasized the importance of restoring the land in line with this year’s theme: “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
Mrs. Ndama announced that the commission plans to plant 20 trees per community in Moro, Edu, Patigi, Kaiama, and Baruten Local Government Areas.
This initiative according to her aims to rejuvenate the environment and provide a sustainable solution to environmental degradation.
“As the rainy season approaches, we are also advising people living in riverine areas to move upland to avoid the risks associated with flooding,” she added.
In his remarks, Dr. Ibrahim Olarenwaju Ibrahim, Chairman of the Nigerian Environmental Society, Kwara State chapter, stressed the urgency of protecting the environment.
He highlighted the severe impact of deforestation in the Sahel region and urged communities to plant double the number of trees they fell to prevent erosion and flooding.
“Deforestation is seriously affecting countries in the Sahel region. It is expected that for every tree felled, double should be planted to prevent erosion and flooding in the community,” Dr. Ibrahim stated.
World Environment Day, observed annually on June 5, is a day set aside to encourage worldwide awareness and action for the protection of the environment.
