Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Taraba State Universal Basic Education Board (TSUBEB) has called on teachers, pupils, parents, community leaders and all citizens to support a new tree-planting campaign by planting and nurturing at least one tree each, as part of efforts to tackle environmental degradation and climate change.
Mrs Christiana Taninga Binga, Executive Chairman of TSUBEB, made the appeal during the flag-off ceremony for the Greening and Climate Change Tree Planting Campaign held in Jalingo.
Describing tree planting as a simple yet powerful way to protect the ecosystem, she said it improves air quality, prevents soil erosion, conserves water and mitigates flooding. “It is crucial for our schools,” she added, “they provide shade that creates healthier, cooler and more conducive learning environments while contributing to local food security and biodiversity.”
“I therefore call on our teachers, pupils, parents, community leaders and all citizens of Taraba State to support this campaign by planting and nurturing at least a tree. Together, we can build a greener, healthier and more prosperous Taraba State for present and future generations,” Mrs Binga stated.
She noted that the initiative directly aligns with the environmental sustainability vision of Governor Dr Agbu Kefas’s Five-Finger Agenda, which prioritises environmental protection, agricultural development and sustainable resource management. “At TSUBEB, we recognise that our schools are the foundation for building responsible future leaders. Through this campaign, we aim to encourage our pupils to embrace tree planting and environmental stewardship as a lifelong responsibility,” she said.
In his goodwill message, Hamidu Raji, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) Coordinator, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting programmes that enhance quality basic education while integrating climate action into school activities through the 2024/2025 intervention projects.
The Commissioner for Secondary, Technical and Vocational Education, Mrs Augustina Godwin, commended TSUBEB and UBEC for initiating the programme, describing it as an investment in the state’s future and environmental wellbeing. “Educating young people on climate change and environmental conservation is essential for building a healthier, greener and sustainable society,” she said. “We are alive because of our good environment. We need to take proper care of our environment for us to be alive and healthier.”
She urged school administrators, teachers and students to embrace the initiative by planting and nurturing trees within their school environments and to serve as ambassadors of environmental protection in their communities. “If we cut one, we should plant three more. If our environment is not healthy, we will be sick. We need trees in our environment. It is also part of education and life. Teachers should go to their various schools and continue with the campaign,” she added.
The Commissioner for Nursery and Primary Education, Hajiya Fatima Habib, called on the public to support the initiative, stressing that government cannot do it alone. “Trees provide shade in our schools and beautify our environment,” she said, while also commending Governor Kefas for the state’s free education policy.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishatu Barde, emphasised that deforestation remains one of the major causes of environmental degradation, leading to increased erosion, rising temperatures and other adverse climate effects. “Planting trees plays a critical role in improving air quality, serving as windbreaks, conserving biodiversity and restoring degraded landscapes,” she said.
She encouraged pupils and teachers to become environmental ambassadors by planting trees in their homes and communities and taking responsibility for nurturing them to maturity. “I assure school committees that regular monitoring and follow-up visits will be carried out to ensure the survival and healthy growth of the planted seedlings,” she added.
The programme, organised by TSUBEB in collaboration with UBEC under the 2024/2025 intervention projects, seeks to instil environmental consciousness among pupils and students while encouraging tree planting and sustainable environmental practices across Taraba State’s schools.
The exercise reaffirms the state government’s commitment to mitigating the effects of climate change, restoring degraded environments and raising a new generation of environmentally conscious pupils who will contribute meaningfully to building a healthier, greener and climate-resilient state.
