YALI Kano Celebrates World Environment Day with 1 Million Tree Project Launch
By Mustapha Salisu
The YALI Network Kano State Hub, a chapter of the Young African Leadership Initiative (YALI), celebrated World Environment Day 2024 by launching the 1 Million Tree Project.
PRIME TIME NEWS gathered, the project which is supported by sister organizations such as VSO, NYEN and Mufarka Youth Development, aims to inspire 1 million young people in Nigeria to plant at least 1 tree in their communities, promoting climate action, environmental sustainability, and a greener future.
Barnabas Adesina, Coordinator of YALI Network Kano State Hub, led the flag-off event at Janbulo, where 10 trees were planted.
According to Barnabas, the organization chose Janbulo due to the presence of community members who will monitor and ensure the trees’ survival.
“YALI also plans to plant trees in schools and hand them over to the school management for monitoring and sustainability, ensuring the project’s long-term impact” he added.
The Coordinator lamented that Kano State’s climatic challenges, including high temperatures, low rainfall, desertification, and environmental degradation, make this project crucial. “The project aims to combat desertification, improve air quality, enhance biodiversity, and regulate temperatures” he said.
Adesina appealed to young people in Kano to join the project, believing that planting hundreds of thousands of trees in the state is possible with government, NGO, and private sector support.
Also Speaking, Project lead of the exercise, Musa Salihu who is a Climate Change Advocate, disclosed He empowers communities through sustainable practices and environmental awareness.
Adding that “With The Life, We Deserve Foundation and One Million Leaders Africa’, I’ve driven impact through integrated, community-based, and sustainable approaches”
“Our strategies include community engagement, awareness campaigns, tree planting initiatives, volunteer recruitment, strategic site selection and regular maintenance resulting in increased green cover, improved air quality, and fostered community unity” Musa noted.
Musa further disclosed that at Janbulo, His team first reached out to the community stakeholders (district head, elders, youths And others) calling their attention and bringing them on board thereby showing them the importance of planting trees and sensitizing them on the role of youths towards achieving environmental sustainability
PRIME TIME NEWS reports that the project aligns with YALI’s mission to invest in Africa’s next generation of leaders and promote democratic governance, economic growth, and civil society institutions for Africa’s economic prosperity.
The 1 Million Tree project is a YALI NETWORK NIGERIA project and is registered with the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as part of the World Environment Day celebration activities
The 1 Million Tree Project is a step towards a more resilient environment, sustainable development, and improved quality of life for Kano State residents. By engaging communities and institutions, YALI Network Kano State Hub is ensuring a greener future for generations to come.
