Residents urged to imbibe tree planting culture

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS), of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Lawan Kolo Geidam, has enjoined residents to actively participate in tree planting initiatives, as part of sustainable strategy to combat the effects of climate change in the Territory.
Geidam, reiterated the pressing need to address the significant loss of tree covers resulting from rapid developmental activities in the FCT.
“Climate change has emerged as a global concern, with its detrimental effects being felt across the world. The FCT, like many other urban areas, has experienced the depletion of its green cover due to urbanization and developmental projects.
“The removal of trees not only contributes to the loss of biodiversity but also exacerbates climate change by intensifying the urban heat and negatively affecting vegetation”, he stressed.
He gave the charge while on a visit to the FCT plant nursery, in Bwari, during tour of Agric projects in the FCT.
The ARDS boss also visited Bwari Fish Farm Estate where he assured stakeholders that the project would receive full attention and support of the Administration.
He noted that the importance of engaging all allottees and addressing infrastructure needs to facilitate their activities, assuring it will be giving attention to the Estate.
He said: “We will as a strategy be engaging all the allottees while also addressing the issue of provision of infrastructure tenable the allottees conduct their activities with ease.”
Similarly, at Gwagwalada Area Council, the Secretary inspected facilities at the Agric Central Store and Mechanical Workshop where he took the opportunity to assess the ongoing distribution of palliatives to FCT residents, pledging that the secretariat has taken adequate measures to ensure that the items reach the desired target.
Equally, at the mechanical workshop, the ARDS boss directed the Agric Services and Rural Development Departments to come up with strategies that will make technology not only available but for the utilization of rural farmers. According to him, “By embracing technological advancements, the FCT aims to improve agricultural productivity and meet the growing demand for food”.
Geidam also visited the FCT Agricultural Development Program (ADP) and Fadama offices, where he expressed satisfaction with the ongoing activities of the FCT Fadama CARES program, which deserves commendation for its efforts in promoting sustainable agriculture and supporting local farmers.
He reiterated the commitment of the FCT leadership under the Honourable Minister Barrister Nyesom Wike and Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mariya Mahmoud to developing a comprehensive approach to address the challenges and achieve the set targets of sustainable food and nutrition security.
He equally expressed the readiness of the Administration for speedy completion of the project to provide conducive working environment for Agric workers to deliver efficient extension services to FCT farmers.