* OneAcreFund distributes 12.5m tree seedlings to farmers in Niger , Kwara, Nasarawa
By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
The Niger State government has initiated the programme for the planting of one billion trees within the next four years as part of measures to mitigate the effects of deforestation due to climate change.
The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Agriculture, Ahmed Matthew stated this during the flagoff of distribution of tree seedlings to farmers in the state by the OneAcreFund.
He said, ” The effects of deforestation due to climate change are enormous. However some of these problems are caused by avoidable human activities such as bush burning ignited by young people hunting for rats and illegal felling of trees. The state government has however decided to reclaim landscapes from deforestation and desert encroachment. Therefore the government has initiated a strategic plan to plant one billion trees in four years”.
He explained that the planting of economic and nutritional trees would improve the livelihood of citizens of the state especially those in the rural areas. He advised the villagers to stop indiscriminate and illegal cutting of trees in order to preserve their environment.
The Permanent Secretary commended the OneAcreFund for complimenting government efforts with the planting of trees in the fight against deforestation in the state, adding that, ” I understand that about 12.5m tree seedlings will be distributed to farmers across the three states of Niger, Kwara and Nasarawa for this 2025 planting season “.
In a remark, the system leader of OneAcreFund, Ade Adebayo, said, “In 2025, the organization aims to reach 471,700 farmers with 12.5million tree seedlings across the three states of Niger, Kwara and Nasarawa. Niger State accounts for the largest share with 346,550 small holder farmers”.
He described the tree planting programme as a bold push for reforestation, environmental
restoration and rural economic transformation in one of Nigeria’s most climate vulnerable regions.
According to him, “Nigeria loses over 350,000 hectares of forest each year, threatening food systems and ecosystems, adding that, these trees improve soil fertility, provide shade and generate long-term income”.
