The Nigerian government on Thursday launched a new tree-planting tagged: “Project 250k”.
The new initiative which was disclosed by the Minister of Youth and Sport, Sunday Dare, said it targets the youth as part of efforts to get them involved in the country’s fight against the devastating impacts of climate change in Nigeria.
Mr Dare said this while making his remarks at an event titled: “Youth and Climate Change,” at the Nigerian pavilion in Egypt. The event is part of the activities marking the ongoing Conference of Parties in the North African country.
“We are launching a 250K project. This means we will be engaging 250,000 youths across the country, to plant 250,000 trees,” the minister said.
He said the initiative will ensure that youths are paid for every tree planted and nurtured over the years.
“We have secured global partners already,” he added.
The minister said the goal of the initiative is not just about tree planting but the awareness that would be generated.
“These people (youths) that plant the trees would also become ambassadors of Climate Change and then they can help spread the awareness and the information that is needed,” Mr Dare said.
The minister noted that a lot of activities are tied around the initiative and that his ministry is working with strategy implementation partners to actualise the goal of the initiative.
He said:”We would work very closely with the ministry of environment and relevant agencies.”
Youth, Climate Change
Thursday at the ongoing COP27 was dedicated to marking “Youth and Future Generation Day.” It created an atmosphere that helped to broaden the narrative around Africa as a hub of opportunities and innovative solutions, highlighting how youth are collaboratively driving action towards achieving climate justice and intergenerational equity.
“The impacts of climate change have significant effects on the health, nutrition, education and the future of young people, meanwhile youth standg to be the most impacted by the decisions we take at the climate process. Thus, they should be considered a natural ally and partner in driving climate action ,” said COP27 President Sameh Shoukry during his recent visit to the Children and Youth Pavilion.
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He said: “Ensuring that the youth are represented and have a seat at the table is of absolute importance as it is their future lives and livelihoods that are directly impacted with the implementation of climate commitments.”
For Nigeria, Mr Dare described the youths as important “foot soldiers” when it comes to planting trees.
By the sheer number and population of the youth, the minister said they are an important conveyor belt of passing the climate change message around climate change.
“More importantly, because of their innovative mindsets, they are solutions providers,” the minister added.
The minister said the youth that would be participating in the tree planting project will be placed on stipends throughout the initiative.
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