By Sahel Reporters, Bauchi
The Darazo community in Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State has stepped up efforts to combat deforestation and promote environmental sustainability through a massive public sensitization and tree-planting campaign aligned with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge championed by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu.
Speaking during the campaign in Darazo, the Chairman of the Tassallah Care Foundation, Mr. Usman Ya’u, warned that unchecked tree felling poses grave threats to the environment, including desertification, food insecurity, and reduced rainfall.
“We are already witnessing the devastating impact of deforestation through declining soil fertility and the loss of vegetation cover,” Ya’u said. “The trees we plant today serve as a shield against future ecological disasters.”
Ya’u explained that the campaign, themed “Go Green Today for a Greener Tomorrow,” seeks to restore degraded landscapes and build community resilience against climate change.
He revealed that the foundation has consistently implemented reforestation programs over the past four years to reverse the trend of environmental degradation.
He added that thousands of trees have been planted around the Eid ground, along the Muhammadu Buhari Bypass, and across major parts of Darazo town.
“To ensure sustainability, the foundation provided ₦50,000 each to 17 local organizations and distributed 250 watering cans to 82 community groups to support tree maintenance.
“The next phase of the project will extend to all 11 wards of Darazo Local Government Area,” Ya’u stated.
Representing the Emir of Darazo, Alhaji Ibrahim Bababa, community leader Alhaji Ahmed Jarmai urged residents to desist from indiscriminate tree cutting, stressing that deforestation intensifies heat waves, accelerates soil erosion, and destroys wildlife habitats.
In his sermon, Islamic cleric Malam Musa Aljawadi described tree planting as Sadaqah Jariyah (continuous charity), emphasizing its spiritual and environmental rewards.
Community elder Ambassador Lawan Bappah commended the foundation for its leadership in driving green awareness and community action. “If we fail to act now, future generations will pay dearly for our negligence,” he cautioned.
The campaign reflects the growing local support for Nigeria’s green revolution aimed at restoring the nation’s forest cover and mitigating the impact of climate change.
