UNICEF, Katsina engage youths in tree planting

The United Nations Children’s Fund and the Katsina State Government under the Ministry of Environment, on Thursday, engaged youths in tree plantingof  and plastic trash picking to mark the 2025 World Environment Day.

The participants staged a 3km road walk, picking trash on the major road from Liyafa round to Brahim Estate Community School, Katsina, where 10 trees were planted as part of activities to mark the day.

The theme for 2025 World Environment Day, “Putting an End to Plastic Pollution,” serves as encouragement to people to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic and to find greener alternatives, according to the Chief of UNICEF Field Office, Mr. Rahama Farah.

He said plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats to the world.

Over 400 million tons of plastic are produced every year, and much of it ends up in our rivers, oceans, soil, and even our food.

“Today, we will be engaged in tree planting and plastic trash pick activities in commemoration of World Environment Day in Katsina.

“These activities align with UNICEF’s global Green Rising initiative that aims to mobilise youth-led climate action through volunteering, green skills development, and environmental advocacy.

In Nigeria, Green Rising aims to plant 100,000 trees, recycle 100,000 kilograms of plastic waste, and mobilise 100,000 youths for climate action by 2025.

“This initiative directly contributes to Nigeria’s environmental sustainability goals, fostering climate-smart entrepreneurship among young people, particularly women.
Everyone has a role to play!” he said.

Farah urged people to always remember that a clean environment helps them to stay healthy, improves the learning environment, and protects animals and plants.

Microplastics are ingested by small marine animals, which are then eaten by larger animals, potentially transferring toxins up the food chain to humans.

“Plastic production contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, which accelerate climate change, posing significant threats to children’s health, well-being, and future,” Farah added.

On his part, the Katsina State Facilitator, Water Sanitation and Hygiene, Attah Samuel, said the 2025 Environment Day’s theme encouraged citizens to play their role to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic and to find greener alternatives.

“Always remember that a clean environment helps us stay healthy, improves our learning environment, and protects animals and plants.
“Plastic waste can block drainage, harm animals, and even enter the food chain.
Young people are powerful changemakers. your actions today can shape the future of the planet.

“Every small action, like picking up trash or using a water bottle, makes a difference. Together, we can build a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful World,” he said.

Earlier, the Director Waste Management and Environmental Assessment, Nura Abubakar, announced that efforts are being put in place to plant 3,000,000 trees across the state as measures to curtail flooding and other environmental issues such as floods.