To reduce the impact of Climate Change in the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Administration (FCTA), has concluded arrangements to partner the Irish Government to plant 1,000 economic and ornamental trees in Abuja in commemoration of Irish National Day.
The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, in his speech congratulated the Irish Government for the celebration of its National Day known as St. Patrick’s Day and also appreciated their partnership to improve the Abuja environment through Tree Planting.
The Minister, who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Environment and Waste Management, Barr. Fred Kpako, said that the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s Administration cuts across all sectors.
Wike said that the FCT Administration will ensure the deliverance on Government’s mandate to the residents of the FCT.
According to him, planting of trees is critical to the reduction of the effects of Climate Change as it ensure healthy oxygen radiation especially during hot season when the temperature is high.
He urged all stakeholders to be advocates of tree planting in their various localities.
Also speaking at the event, the Ambassador of the Republic of Ireland to Nigeria, Amb. Peter Ryan, said Ireland is pleased to partner with FCTA in the Greening Abuja initiative because of the FCT Minister’s commitment to build a strong and harmonious Federal Capital City with Environmental sustainability.
The Irish Ambassador equally said that, Ireland treasures natural landscape and natural beauty, hence its drive to collaborate with FCTA efforts in relation to Global Environmental Response to make impact in the way we live, saving wastes, reducing wastage and helping to reinforce environment and make it healthier and sustainable.
Meanwhile, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, who also spoke at the occasion said with urbanization, some trees must go down to make way for developmental expansions like road construction, but in FCT, three trees will be replanted for anyone that goes down.
Fasawe stated that the event to commemorate Irish National Day is just a ride up to World Environment Day, which will be marked with symbolic tree planting of 1000 trees to complete the target number of the FCT Administration in Greening Abuja.
To ensure that the trees planted are nurtured and sustained, the Mandate Secretary, enjoins the FCT Parks and Recreation Department to champion the course by urging the Parks & Garden proprietors in Abuja to join the campaign of Tree Planting and maintenance.
