UNICEF, Sokoto Govt, Target 10,000 Trees Through New School Climate Network in Sokoto
By Gbolahan Salman Sokoto
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has announced plans to facilitate the planting of at least 10,000 trees by students across Sokoto State as part of efforts to promote climate action and environmental sustainability among young people.
The initiative was unveiled on Thursday during the launch of the School Climate Adaptation, Resilience and Environment Network Hub (SCAREH), a two-day programme organised by UNICEF in partnership with the Sokoto State Ministry of Environment, the Sokoto Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), and the Young and Youthful Initiative (YOUNGI).
The programme brought together hundreds of students, teachers, environmental experts, government officials and development partners to discuss climate change and encourage youth-led environmental action.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF WASH Officer, Dr. Ebri Eteng, who represented the Chief of Field Office, Dr. Michael Juma, said the project aims to raise a generation of young climate champions capable of driving environmental change in their communities.
“We are looking at a minimum of 10,000 trees being planted by young people. We are starting with 75 schools and will later expand to 200 schools across Sokoto State,” Eteng said.
He explained that the initiative extends beyond tree planting and is intended to instill environmental responsibility in children and young people.
“The target is not just tree planting. It is about building a culture of climate action among young people. We want them to understand climate change, learn how to mitigate its effects, adapt to environmental challenges and build resilience,” he said.
According to him, UNICEF’s Green Rising Initiative is focused on children because they represent the future leadership of society.
“We believe that the knowledge and habits they acquire today will shape future policies and governance. Our goal is to nurture climate champions who will continue this work as adults,” he added.
Founder and Executive Director of YOUNGI, Mr. Edayi Edison, described the programme as a significant milestone in a climate awareness campaign his organisation began years ago.
“The idea started in 2011 when we began engaging schoolchildren on environmental issues. Our collaboration with UNICEF has expanded the reach of this vision, and today we are seeing greater participation from schools and communities,” he said.
Edison noted that attendance exceeded expectations, with nearly 400 participants taking part in the engagement.
He urged students to become advocates for environmental protection in their homes and communities.
“They can start by planting trees, promoting proper waste disposal and encouraging others to protect the environment. If a tree is cut down, we should be willing to plant more in its place,” he said.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of RUWASA, Muhammad Bala, who represented the Special Adviser overseeing the agency, highlighted the link between environmental conservation, water resources and climate resilience.
“The earth is our home, and it is our responsibility to protect it. Water, climate and tree planting are all connected,” he said.
Bala said planting trees in schools would help reduce heat and create a more conducive learning environment for students.
“A mature tree can absorb about 20 kilograms of carbon dioxide, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Planting trees is one of the practical ways we can respond to climate change,” he said.
Also speaking, Professor Sanusi Shamaki of the Department of Forestry and Environment, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, called for urgent action to address environmental degradation.
“We have discussed climate change for many years. This is the time to move from conversation to action. Everyone has a role to play in protecting the environment and building resilience,” she said.
He noted that Sokoto and other dry regions are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, especially because many residents depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.
