The Bauchi State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has planted 1,200 trees to mark the 2025 World Environment Day in Dass Local Government Area, as part of efforts to combat climate change and restore degraded landscapes.
The tree-planting campaign, held in Dass, brought together stakeholders, including traditional rulers, government officials, UNICEF representatives, and heads of agencies such as the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA) and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL).
The event themed “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration” added significance for the host community, Dass town, which in recent weeks suffered a windstorm that turned several houses to rubble.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, emphasised the link between environmental degradation and the increasing loss of lives and property in vulnerable communities.
“Today is a very important and significant day for all of us. for our children to come,” Dr. Rafique said.
She said planting trees contributes to the world’s sustainable future. “The trees are providing us with protection. When we cut the trees, we suffer from landslides, and we suffer from wind blowing our roofs. We suffer from the death of our children and families.”
According to Dr. Rafique, in this year’s campaigns, youths are particularly involved. “We are working with youth for WASH activity, for ODF continuity, and also the climate change initiative that the UNICEF is taking, where there are always youth involved. Because youth is the one who can continue working. So, engaging the community and youth is the key strategy to keep this campaign going.”
She praised Dass for being the first local government in Bauchi to achieve Open Defecation-Free (ODF) status and expressed hope that the community would also lead in environmental sustainability.
“This is a very significant point to think about how we can regrow our trees and save the lives of our children to come. And I am hopeful that Dass will also be the first in environmental sustainability. The tree planting should not end today. It should continue.”
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), Alhaji Habib Mohammed Sadique, represented by Musa Garba Bundot, described the collaboration with UNICEF as “excellent” and noted that it is already yielding a positive impact across the state.
With the investment in water delivery and sanitation, the campaign would be sustained, as without water, tree planting might not become easy. We ensure to give every community access to water and the tree seedlings for planting.
The Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Uthman, applauded the campaigns and urged residents to protect and nurture the newly planted trees. He also emphasised the cultural and spiritual importance of environmental stewardship in the region.
The event also featured community sensitisation, drama and practical demonstrations on how to care for the trees.
