The Jigawa government, on Monday, began planting of 2.5 million tree seedlings to mitigate the adverse effects of desert encroachment.
The 2.5 million assorted tree seedlings were produced during the COVID-19 lockdown.
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Jigawa to plant 2.5m trees to tackle erosion, desertification
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov Muhammad Badaru performed the tree planting ceremony at Andaza Village in Kiyawa LGA of the state.
The tree seedlings include 800,000 Eucalyptus Camadulensusi (Turare), 800,000 Neem (Maina), 545,000 Moringa (Zogale), 100,000 Keshia, 100,000 Acacia Senegal (Karo) and 55,000 African locust beans (Dorawa).
Others are 20,000 Baobab (Kuka), 20,000 (Fanshawa), 20,000 Mahogany (Madachi) and 20,000 Cashew.
The governor said the state had produced and distributed 10 million assorted seedlings in the last four years.
Badaru said Jigawa, being one of the frontline states threatened by desert encroachment, would continue to emphasise the need for production of seedlings and planting of trees.
According to him, the state government had embarked on the establishment of shelterbelts in frontline LGAs, restoration of forest reserves and planting of trees on newly constructed roads.
NAN also reports that some tree seedlings were distributed to the LGAs, emirates, non-governmental organisations and others, to plant in their respective areas.
Badaru urged benefitting communities to ensure that the planted seedlings would be nurtured for the benefit of all.