The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged residents of Bauchi State to prioritize tree planting as a vital step in preventing flooding and mitigating the broader effects of climate change.
This appeal was made by Nanbam Michael, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Officer in Bauchi State, during a World Environment Day event held on Friday at the College of Agriculture, Bauchi.
Michael explained that increased tree planting can help reduce the risk of flooding caused by heavy rainfall and storms, which often lead to the destruction of homes and farmlands.
Speaking to a gathering of stakeholders, including traditional leaders, Michael emphasized the importance of this year’s theme, Generation Restoration. She highlighted that planting trees is one of the most effective ways to curb the adverse effects of flooding, not only in Bauchi State but across Nigeria.
She also advised against indiscriminate tree cutting, urging that for every tree felled, individuals should plant at least five new ones to ensure environmental balance and long-term sustainability.
UNICEF’s WASH Officer, Nandam Michael, emphasized the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for current and future generations during the World Environment Day celebration.
Speaking at the event, she stated, “Today’s celebration is a reminder of the need to protect our environment for ourselves, our youth, and our children.”
Michael explained that UNICEF values the significance of World Environment Day, which is why the organization brought together key stakeholders and traditional leaders to reinforce the message of environmental protection—particularly discouraging the cutting of trees and promoting widespread tree planting.
She further noted that increasing the number of trees in our surroundings can reduce the damage caused by floods and severe storms. “If we have more trees, the impact of flooding and heavy winds can be minimized, as the trees will help absorb and reduce the force of such natural events,” she said.
Michael called on traditional leaders and community stakeholders to raise awareness among residents, encouraging them to avoid deforestation and instead plant trees as a preventive measure against the destruction caused by floods and storms.
