Lokoja, Oct. 18, 2024 (TheGavel) — The Kogi State Government has issued a call to all serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members in the state, urging them to plant a tree each as part of a campaign to foster a healthier and safer environment. This initiative was announced by Governor Usman Ododo during a tree-planting campaign held at the State Secretariat in Lokoja on Friday.
Representing the governor, Mr. Monday Anyebe, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, emphasized the vital role that a healthy environment plays in the growth and development of a nation. “A safe environment brings about desired growth and development,” he stated, highlighting the importance of collective action in tackling environmental challenges.
Governor Ododo pointed out the increasing issues of flooding and drought faced by Kogi State in recent years, underscoring the urgent need for residents to engage in tree planting to help preserve the environment. “This is the more reason why this administration is urging the youths (corps members) serving in this state to try and ensure that each one of them plants a tree,” he declared.
He further encouraged corps members, saying, “When you plant a tree as a corps member, it will serve as a legacy for you. Any day or time you return to Kogi, you will be proud that the tree is standing and giving shade to the community.” The governor commended the NYSC for initiating the campaign, aligning it with his administration’s recent efforts to preserve the environment.
Mr. Timothy Ojomah, the Commissioner for Agriculture, also spoke in favor of the NYSC tree-planting initiative, calling it “apt and the right step” in support of government policies aimed at environmental preservation. He noted that the tree-planting efforts could significantly mitigate the impact of drought and flooding experienced in the state this year.
In his welcome address, NYSC State Coordinator Mr. Femi Osungbohu announced the organization’s goal to plant 1,000 trees in Kogi during 2024. He shared that various schools and communities across the state would be targeted as part of this effort to enhance environmental conservation.
Osungbohu highlighted the urgency of the initiative, stating, “The essence of this gathering today can’t be overemphasized, given the condition of climate change, which is affecting everyone of us in the country.” He called for increased afforestation efforts, emphasizing their economic benefits and positive impact on daily livelihoods.
He concluded by encouraging Kogi residents to follow the example set by the youth corps members and individually plant trees. “This, I believe, will help us have a healthy and safe environment where we can all live and survive as humans and contribute to the development of the state,” he asserted.
The event culminated in a symbolic tree planting conducted by the commissioners for Youth and Sports, Agriculture, and Environment, alongside the Kogi NYSC coordinator, signifying a unified commitment to environmental stewardship in Kogi State.(NAN)
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