Borno LG boss warns residents against illegal tree felling
By Peterson Osagie
Kwaya Kusar Local Government Area of Borno State, in collaboration with the state Ministry of Environment and the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall, has launched a tree-planting campaign in Bila Kutiki community.
Launching the campaign in Kitiki, Kwaya Kusar LGA, with the distribution of 150,000 tree seedlings to residents, the Borno State Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Mohammed Habib, commended the council for the initiative, describing it as being in line with the environmental agenda of Governor Babagana Zulum.
Engr. Habib, who was represented by the Director of Forestry and Wildlife Services in the ministry, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf, said Borno State was facing serious environmental challenges, including desertification, deforestation, soil erosion and the effects of climate change.
He said the ministry would continue to provide support and embrace partnerships to ensure the success of the state’s afforestation initiatives.
Engr. Habib urged residents of Kwaya Kusar to properly maintain the trees, stressing that while planting was easy, nurturing them to maturity was what would deliver the desired impact.
The chairman of Kwaya Kusar LGA, Hon. Dahiru Hamma, said the distribution of the seedlings was in response to the activities of illegal tree fellers and their impact on communities across the council area.
Hon. Hamma said the initiative would complement the state government’s efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment for future generations.
“Today, we are launching and distributing 150,000 seedlings, comprising cassia, blackcurrant, mahogany, eucalyptus, tamarind, cashew, melina, mango, zaytoun, bamboo, neem, among others,” he said.
The chairman appealed to residents to ensure the proper protection and sustainability of the trees, while warning against illegal tree felling in the LGA.
According to him, anyone caught engaging in illegal tree felling would be prosecuted in accordance with state laws.
He commended Governor Zulum and the Emir of Biu, Alhaji Mustapha Umar-Mustapha II, for their support and commitment to environmental restoration.
Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar, secretary of the Biu Emirate Council, who represented the emir, also urged residents to ensure the sustainability of the trees, noting that trees, among other benefits, serve as windbreaks that help protect homes.
