Plant Trees To Tackle Climate Change; FCTA Enjoins Residents

By: Zakari Aliyu

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has enjoined residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to actively participate in tree planting initiatives as a crucial strategy to combat the effects of climate change.

The FCT Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Lawan Kolo Geidam, made this call during a visit to the FCT Plant Nursery in Bwari-Abuja.

The Secretary at the visit highlighted the pressing need to address the significant loss of tree covers resulting from rapid developmental activities in the Territory.

According to him, “Climate Change has emerged as a global concern, with its detrimental effects being felt across the world.”

Geidam said that the FCT, like many other urban areas, has experienced the depletion of its green cover due to urbanization and developmental projects; stressing that the removal of trees not only contributes to the loss of biodiversity but also exacerbates Climate Change by intensifying the urban heat and negatively affecting vegetation.

The Secretary, who also visited the Bwari Fish Farm Estate assured stakeholders that the project would receive full attention and support of the Administration.

His words: “I can assure you that we will be giving attention to this Estate. We will as a strategy be engaging all the allottees while also addressing the issue of provision of infrastructure.”

Geidam was also in Gwagwalada Area Council, to inspect facilities at the Agric Central Store and Mechanical Workshop where he took the opportunity to assess the ongoing distribution of palliatives to FCT residents.

He assured that the Secretariat has put in place adequate measures to ensure that the items reach the desired target.

At the mechanical workshop, the Secretary acknowledged the important role of technology in Agriculture, and therefore, directed the Agriculture Services and Rural Development Departmets to come up with strategies that will make technology not only available but for the utilization of rural farmers.

“By embracing technological advancements, the FCT will achieve improved agricultural productivity and meet the growing demand for food”.

Geidam was also at the FCT Agricultural Development Program (ADP) and Fadama offices, where he expressed satisfaction with the ongoing activities of the FCT Fadama CARES programme which has over the past one year been able to provide support to over 4,000 households through the provision of various agricultural inputs.