Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has unveiled a state-wide Tree Planting and Landscaping Project across 120 schools, with each school receiving 200 trees and ₦5,000 per pupil, as part of his plan to tackle desertification and ecological challenges in the state. The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Ahmad Uthman Purelife Foundation and the ACRESAL Project Katsina, was flagged off today at Government Junior Secondary School, Koda, in Charanchi Local Government Area.
In his remarks, Governor Radda stressed that the project goes beyond planting trees—it is about planting hope, securing the future, and leaving a lasting legacy for Katsina. He described the initiative as a commitment to children, farmers, elders, and the land that has nourished the state for generations. Governor Radda explained that the project aims to tackle pressing climate challenges such as desertification, drought, and shrinking farmlands. It is designed to restore the environment, improve forest cover, and create greener, healthier communities.
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Each of the 120 schools across all Local Government Areas will benefit from new green spaces, providing shaded areas for students and teachers, improving comfort, and enhancing the learning environment. The project will also help improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and encourage young people to take responsibility for protecting the environment.
Highlighting the wider benefits, Governor Radda said each tree will absorb carbon dioxide, prevent soil erosion, retain water, and support local wildlife. “Every tree is a living symbol of our commitment to sustainability,” he added. Governor Radda thanked Mr Ahmad Uthman, Founder of the Purelife Foundation, for his vision and support, as well as the ACRESAL Project Katsina for their technical expertise.
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He described the partnership between government, civil society, and the private sector as a model for sustainable development. The Governor also called on students, teachers, parents, community leaders, and local governments to take active part in the programme, stressing that combining education with environmental responsibility will raise future leaders who value sustainability.
Earlier, Ahmad Uthman Muhammad, Founder of the Purelife Foundation, praised Governor Radda as a “climate-friendly leader” who is positioning Katsina at the forefront of global sustainability. He noted that the project does not only plant trees but also provides shade, beauty, and better learning environments for children.
Since its establishment, the Foundation has planted more than 30,000 trees in schools, hospitals, and public spaces. Under the “A Tree for Every Child Project,” over 10,000 pupils have received a tree and ₦5,000 each—supporting families and building environmental stewardship among young people. The Katsina Development Management Board (KTDMB) contributed ₦25 million to the initiative.
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These funds will benefit 200 pupils in each of the 120 schools, with planting activities already underway at Koda School. The Foundation also supports Sustainable Development Goal 4 on Quality Education through awareness campaigns, re-enrolling children in school, and providing school kits such as uniforms, bags, books, and water bottles. Hundreds of children have returned to school as a result.
Mustapha Shehu, Executive Secretary of KTDMB, explained that the Board’s partnership with the Foundation is a deliberate step to strengthen climate action in Katsina, in collaboration with the Ministries of Environment and Basic & Secondary Education. He said this positions Katsina among states adopting global best practices in climate change response.
Mr Shehu further revealed that Katsina will participate at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in the United States, where the state will present its climate blueprint and ongoing initiatives to the international community. He assured that the Board will continue working with individuals, institutions, and international partners to sustain meaningful climate-focused development in the state.
In her goodwill message the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education, Zainab Musawa commended the Governor for supporting the initiative and reiterated her ministry’s commitmment to ensure the success of the programme. The launch ceremony was attended by the Chief Judge of Katsina State, Justice Musa Danladi; Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Zainab Musa Musawa; Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof Muhammadu Abubakar Bakori; Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Dr Faisal Kaita; Principal Private Secretary to the Governor, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Affairs, Usman Abba Jaye; and Executive Secretary of KTDMB, Mustapha Shehu.
Also present were Prof Badamasi Charanchi, National Coordinator of NSIPA; heads of government agencies; community leaders; and development partners.
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