By Abdullahi Lukman
The Bauchi State Government has launched Environment and Climate Change Clubs in schools across the state to promote tree planting and environmental conservation among students as part of efforts to combat desertification, flooding and other effects of climate change.
The initiative was inaugurated at Government Girls College, Bauchi, where the Commissioner for Housing and Environment, Danlami Kawule, described students as key partners in protecting the environment and driving sustainable practices in
their communities.
Kawule said the government introduced the clubs to encourage young people to become ambassadors of environmental stewardship through tree planting and awareness campaigns.
He expressed concern over the indiscriminate felling of trees across the state, stressing that it is illegal to cut down any tree without approval from the Ministry of Housing and Environment. According to him, approval is only granted on the condition that three replacement trees are planted.
The commissioner noted that Bauchi is already experiencing the effects of climate change through irregular rainfall, desert encroachment, intense heatwaves and recurring floods, warning that environmental degradation now poses a direct threat to agriculture, water resources and livelihoods.
He said government policies alone cannot address the challenge, emphasising the need to involve young people in building a resilient and environmentally sustainable state.
Kawule urged students to take ownership of the initiative by promoting tree planting and environmental protection in their schools and communities.
The Principal of Government Girls College, Hadiza Ibrahim, commended the state government for the programme, saying it complements the school’s environmental activities.
She assured that students would nurture the trees planted during the inauguration and sustain the activities of the Environment and Climate Change Club for the benefit of the school and the wider community.
