January 12, (THEWILL) – The management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has reiterated its readiness to plant 10,000 trees to enhance ecosystems and fight climate change following the recent flood in Maiduguri and its environs.
The Chief Medical Director (CMD), Prof Ahmed Ahijo, stated this during the flagging off tree planting at the UMTH at the weekend.
He maintained that the recent flood disaster underscores the urgent need to address climate-induced loss and damage, a challenge becoming increasingly prevalent across Nigeria and the globe.
“So far, we have planted almost 1,500 trees, and we’re looking forward to working with our partners to make it to 10,000 trees. I believe that by the time we do, and not only in the UMTH, we are also going to extend it to so many outreach centres that we have outside and within Maiduguri.
“UMTH is a big institution, and everybody is going to smile. Most importantly, if you plant a tree, look after the tree. Ownership of the tree is what we emphasise on it.
“We know it is an indication of how you can manage something in your life. If you are given one tree and you cannot look after that tree, it means you are not a good manager. So we are putting management in the tree plant”, Prof Ahmed disclosed.
He urged a man to a tree, a woman to a tree so that you look after it. We don’t want to see something going wrong with your tree.
Also, the CEO of Green Environmental Solutions, Dr Ibrahim Dodo, stated that a broader strategy would restore the state’s ecosystem and mitigate climate change effects.
“This will lead to environmental conservation and sustainable development in the state.
According to him, the move is a step towards addressing environmental challenges in the state, ravaged by desertification and insurgency.
The State Director General Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Engr Usman Aliyu, has commended Borno State for its leadership in environmental conservation, citing its efforts to domesticate the Great Green Wall Act and establish a state agency as a model for other states.
“We’re committed to protecting our environment and promoting sustainable development. This tree-planting campaign is crucial to restoring our ecosystem and ensuring a sustainable future.”
Environmental experts have hailed the initiative as a “game-changer” in the fight against desertification and climate change, urging other states to follow Borno’s lead.
