Nigerian Youths to Lead Charge in 25 Million Trees Pledge
The President of Nigeria, Mr. Bola Tinubu, has announced his ambitious plans to mobilise thousands of young people in a nation-wide tree-planting initiative. This strategic move aims to achieve the target of planting 250,000 trees annually, contributing to Nigeria’s broader commitment to plant 25 million trees by 2030, as part of the country’s efforts to mitigate the impact of climate change.
In a recent opinion piece published on CNN, President Tinubu underscored the vital importance of this initiative. He commended Nigeria for addressing the challenges presented by climate change, citing the exacerbation of food crises in Europe and the Middle East due to conflicts. By planting trees, the country has made significant progress in fortifying itself against encroaching desertification in the northern regions.
Mr. Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria has effectively mobilised its youth to participate in the noble cause of tree planting, highlighting their dedication to constructing a “great green wall” as a barrier against advancing deserts. He also appealed for collaboration from the Western world, urging financial support to aid in addressing the environmental challenges that have disproportionately affected African nations.
President Tinubu further articulated Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The Nigerian Energy Transition Plan (NETP) is currently underway, aiming for net-zero emissions across key sectors including power, cooking, oil & gas, transport, and industry. The plan necessitates an annual investment of $10 billion until 2060.
Additionally, Mr. Tinubu urged developed nations to fulfil their commitments, particularly in significantly contributing to the Loss and Damage Fund and the $100 billion annual climate financing pledge. He believes that honouring these contributions is essential in addressing the urgent climate issues faced by nations like Nigeria.
The President made a noteworthy decision to shift public engagement from the website to various social media channels, inviting readers to engage in discussions via platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
In conclusion, President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to mobilise Nigerian youth in planting 250,000 trees annually is a commendable step in addressing the imminent threats of climate change. With notable efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources and a call to the international community for support, Nigeria is setting a positive example in the battle against environmental challenges.
Source:
– CNN article: “Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu: We’re planting 25 million trees to fight desertification”
