In a bold move to champion environmental sustainability and promote greener campuses, the Provost of Audu Bako College of Agriculture, Dambatta (ABCOAD), Kano State, Professor M. A. Wailare, has officially flagged off a Tree Planting Campaign within the institution.
Speaking at the event, Professor Wailare underscored the importance of tree planting as a critical step in environmental preservation.
“Tree planting is not just about beautifying our environment. It is a legacy of life, a shield against climate change, and an investment for future generations. As an agricultural institution, ABCOAD has a responsibility to lead by example in promoting sustainable practices,” he stated.
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The Provost further revealed that the college plans to plant many trees across strategic locations within the campus and surrounding communities, with the active participation of students. This initiative is also part of ABCOAD’s broader Green Campus Project, designed to instill environmental consciousness among young people and future agricultural leaders.
He added:
“I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has contributed to organising this tree planting day, especially the College’s Directorate of Renewable Energy and Climate Change under the indefatigable Director, Mallam Musa Garba; the Directorate of Linkages and Affiliation under the able Director, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim; the Department of Forestry under the able stewardship of the Head of Department, Malama Aisha Bala Iliyasu; and members of the College Management Committee for their efforts in making this event a great success.
Mention must also be made of the Ministry of Environment and the Kano State Government under the able leadership of H.E. the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, for providing their contribution to the success of this occasion.”
At the ceremony, the Deputy Provost of the College, Dr. Hassan Ibrahim, highlighted the relevance of ABCOAD to farmers and the entire Kano State. He stressed the importance of the gathering as an avenue to reaffirm the significance of tree planting in sustaining community livelihoods and environmental stability.
According to the Director of Renewable Energy and Climate Change, Mallam Musa Garba, the Tree Planting Campaign was a resounding success.
“We sincerely thank the College Management under the leadership of our Chief Executive, Prof. Muhammad Abdu Wailare, for the invaluable support that made this remarkable event possible and successful,” he said.
Garba also noted that the current administration of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, through the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, has introduced a new environmental policy with fines and penalties against indiscriminate tree felling.
The flag-off ceremony, which took place at the college premises, was attended by top management staff, lecturers, students, community leaders, village heads, and representatives of environmental organizations. The campaign seeks to tackle the growing challenges of climate change, desertification, and deforestation, while also enhancing the ecological beauty of the institution.
The event concluded with the symbolic planting of the first set of trees by the Provost, staff, students, and community representatives, signaling the beginning of a long-term environmental commitment.
With this initiative, ABCOAD continues to demonstrate its role not only as a hub of agricultural education but also as a strong advocate for environmental protection and climate resilience in Nigeria.
