By Abdullahi Lukman
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), has urged Nigerians to replace extravagant birthday and anniversary celebrations with tree planting events as part of efforts to combat climate change.
Onoja made the call on Friday, May 2, 2025, during the inaugural Abuja Garden Festival, amidst a severe heatwave affecting the country.
He emphasized that planting trees could significantly reduce the impacts of climate change, particularly in light of challenges like desertification in the north and erosion in the coastal regions.
“Rather than hosting lavish parties, we should consider organizing tree planting events,” Onoja said. “This is a crucial step to ensure we have trees around us to help combat the adverse effects of climate change.
In the north, we face desertification, and in the coastal areas, erosion is a growing threat. Planting trees will help prevent this.”
Senator Ede Dafinone, in his keynote address, outlined efforts by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to improve green spaces in the city. He called for the protection of existing trees and supported initiatives like tree planting in schools.
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“Green areas must be preserved, and everyone in the FCT deserves access to clean, green spaces,” Dafinone said. “Planting a tree is a bold step towards protecting our future. Abuja should lead by example.”
The event’s organizers, Mrs. Eyamba Nzekwu and Mrs. Nana Gbolahan, stressed the need to protect the environment and highlighted the importance of tree planting in urban areas.
Nzekwu pointed out that ongoing construction in Abuja was leading to the removal of trees without adequate replacements.
“As residents, it’s our responsibility to improve our environment by planting trees,” she said, adding that trees offer a range of benefits, including providing shade and acting as windbreakers during storms. Many trees, she noted, also have medicinal properties.
Gbolahan echoed the concerns about deforestation, warning that continued tree cutting could lead to problems such as erosion, desertification, and excessive heat.
“Abuja is experiencing extreme heat, which is negatively impacting our plants and environment,” she said. “This year, we are focusing on planting more trees, starting with schools in the FCT.”
The event, which saw participation from garden owners, natural flower vendors, and environmental advocates, also provided attendees with seedlings to plant. Participants were encouraged to track the progress of their trees and report on them at the next festival.
The Abuja Garden Festival was part of broader efforts to raise awareness about the importance of tree planting and environmental sustainability, with a particular focus on combating climate change.
