The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has commended the Federal College of Education Technical (FCE), Bichi, Kano State for its commitment to environmental conservation through sustained tree planting initiatives.
The Director-General of the agency, Saleh Abubakar, gave the commendation during a visit to the institution in Bichi, Kano State, as part of the agency’s environmental advocacy and institutional tree planting programme.
Abubakar said the visit was aimed at strengthening partnerships with institutions within the agency’s operational areas to promote environmental protection and encourage more organisations to embrace tree planting.
He said the agency was collaborating with institutions to establish tree planting projects as part of efforts to protect the environment and create awareness on the importance of conservation.
“We visit areas where we operate in partnership with institutions where we carry out institutional planting. We do this together with them to protect the environment and also use it as advocacy so that other people can learn from these institutions,” he said.
The D-G described FCE Bichi as one of the institutions making significant contributions to environmental sustainability, noting that trees planted at the college had recorded remarkable growth.
“FCE Bichi has really come out on top. We are so happy with what we have seen. Over the years, they have planted and we have planted together with them, and we have seen the results of what was done three years ago and how the trees have grown,” Abubakar said.
The NAGGW boss said the agency was committed to extending its environmental programmes across the 11 states under its operational coverage, adding that Kano would receive increased attention following the relocation of its operational office from Abuja.
Abubakar disclosed that the agency had provided 3,000 seedlings to the college as part of the initiative and would supply additional seedlings after identifying more areas for planting.
“Here, we have given the college 3,000 seedlings for the start. We feel this is just the beginning. We have gone back where we have fenced for them, and we will bring more seedlings, Insha Allah,” he added.
He urged the college management to continue sustainable environmental practises capable of transforming the institution into a green campus.
He assured the institution of the agency’s continued support and partnership in identifying areas requiring further intervention.
Abubakar also congratulated the college on its recent upgrading, describing it as a major milestone worthy of celebration.
Earlier, the Provost of the college, Dr Bashir Sabo, appreciated the agency for its support towards environmental sustainability and pledged continued collaboration.
Sabo said the college had introduced a policy requiring every staff member to plant, nurture, and sustain at least one tree as part of efforts to protect the environment.
He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable environmental practises.