The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the Green Rising Campaign with the planting of 1,000 tree seedlings to encourage youth participation in climate action and environmental sustainability.
The campaign was inaugurated on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, said the initiative reflects the institution’s ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.
He explained that the campaign is being implemented in partnership with the Kebbi State Ministry of Environment and the Kebbi State chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES).
‘’Also in collaboration are the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, the Go Green Foundation and the Students’ Union Government,’’ he said.
Mr Zaiyan-Umar noted that the campaign complements the university’s existing afforestation efforts, revealing that the institution has planted more than 12,000 trees and established a tree nursery since 2018.
He instructed the relevant university departments to ensure the newly planted seedlings are properly maintained, monitored and protected to improve their survival rate.
The vice-chancellor emphasised the importance of preserving every tree planted for the benefit of future generations and reaffirmed the university’s resolve to deepen its collaboration with UNICEF and other partners on environmental sustainability initiatives.
UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Facilitator for Kebbi, Toyin Adisa, said the Green Rising Campaign seeks to motivate and equip young people to take the lead in climate action through tree planting and responsible environmental management.
Mr Adisa praised the university for supporting the initiative and expressed confidence that the institution would successfully sustain the project.
Also speaking, the Director of Environment at the Kebbi State Ministry of Environment, Dantani Sarki, encouraged the university to prioritise the proper care and continuous monitoring of the planted seedlings to ensure they deliver lasting environmental benefits.
