By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Nasarawa State Government has flagged off a statewide school-based tree-planting programme aimed at planting 100 trees in every school as part of efforts to promote environmental sustainability and combat climate change.
The exercise was inaugurated in Lafia on Saturday by Governor Abdullahi Sule, alongside the Emir of Lafia, Justice Sidi Bage-Muhammad (rtd), and the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs Margaret Elayo.
Speaking after the flag-off, Elayo said the initiative forms part of the state’s broader environmental protection and climate change mitigation strategy, in line with the Federal Government’s policy direction.
She explained that tree planting plays a critical role in addressing climate change, controlling soil erosion, improving air quality and preserving biodiversity, urging school authorities, teachers and students to actively participate in nurturing the trees.
The commissioner also appealed to residents to cultivate the habit of planting trees and avoid indiscriminate felling without replacement.
“This initiative aligns with the efforts of President Bola Tinubu and global actions aimed at increasing green cover and reducing the impact of climate change,” she said.
On the January sanitation exercise, Elayo expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance recorded across the state, attributing the success to the support of security agencies, traditional rulers, the media and inspection teams from the ministry.
She, however, cautioned residents against dumping refuse in drainages, particularly as the rainy season approaches, warning that such practices could lead to flooding and disease outbreaks.
According to her, maintaining a clean environment would help safeguard public health and promote improved living conditions for the people of the state.