Zuru Patriotic Forum, a socio-cultural group in Kebbi State, donated 250 economic trees to Government Girls Science College, Ribah, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of the state on Saturday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum procured the tree seedlings, nurtured them for 12 months in the college and employed guards who were paid N15,000 each monthly.
Handing over the trees to the principal of the college, Hajiya Maryam Namadi, the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BOT) of the forum, Alhaji Garba Maidoki, said the trees were Mahogany and Neem.
Maidoki added that their survival had demonstrated that the forum’s objectives to fund the project for a greener environment had been achieved.
A member of the BOT, Prof. Ahmad Sanda, who is also the project campaigner, said the college was chosen because it met all the requirements for the execution of the project.
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“The school, which is a boarding school and fenced round, has met all the conditions the forum set for any school to benefit from the programme,’’ he said.
Sanda commended Maidoki for providing all the funds needed for the project and appreciated both the staff and students at the college.
He said that the signs of discipline and commitment from staff and students would not be forgotten.
“Climate change can affect our economy and our agriculture; it can cause communal clashes.
“Some of these crises you are seeing in Nigeria are caused because of climate change.
“We are doing this to enable you to have an environment conducive to learning.
“You need shade while studying. We are happy that this project has succeeded. More than 90 per cent of the trees have survived,’’ he noted.
Earlier, Chairman of the forum, Alhaji Sani Tadi, explained that members decided to plant the trees so they could be of tremendous benefit to many generations.
“This forum will serve as an avenue for all civil servants and well-to-do-people to give back to the society.
“This community gave us a lot. We were born here, trained here and we are going to serve the community too.
“We are determined to serve our people and continue to put smiles on their faces.
Tadi commended the management of the school for thoroughly supervising the nurturing of the seedlings, adding that the forum would also rehabilitate the school hall as part of its projects.
In her remarks, Hajiya Namadi commended the forum for donating the economic trees to the school.
“By extension, the forum has rendered service to humanity.
“He who plants a tree builds a house and he who destroys a tree, destroys a house. I, therefore, on behalf of the school management, thank you for this project.
“This will go a long way to provide shade, correct erosion and stabilise the soil and ecosystem of the school environment.
“This is the best way to fight climate challenge and enrich our environment,’’ she said.
The principal also appealed to the forum to help the school to renovate its dining hall, provide water, and fencing of the girls’ hotel. (NAN)