Panacea Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, has launched planting of 5,000 tree seedlings in Bayero University, Kano, BUK.
Speaking at the event, held at BUK on Friday, Dr Dahir Hashim, founder of Panacea Foundation said the event was a phase two of Kano Afforestation Drive introduced by the NGO to plant 100,000 trees in Kano metropolis.
According to him, the aim of planting the seedlings is to create healthy environment, job opportunities and check rising crimes in the state.
Mr Hashim explained that the seedlings are of edible fruits such as guava, mango, sweet lemon, among others, adding that they would be planted at different places on the university’s new campus.
The founder disclosed that Kano State government had donated 1,000 seedlings and 80 baskets as its contribution to the realization of the programme.
He noted that the culture of afforestation needs to be revived and sustained through environmental awareness and advocacy.
According to him, in 2020 alone, more than 9,000 people benefitted from their programmes such as community awareness and engagement programs, 18 school afforestation programs, and 200 direct and indirect jobs to individuals.
“In our 3rd year, we are excited to build on our previous successes. Though we are yet to reach 5 years of planting, we have been able to plant more than 6,500 seedlings. In this year alone, 5,000 seedlings were planted in Kano.
“As usual, we received support from individuals, communities, and other organizations.
“Our biggest success this year is our ability to change the mindset of our people towards planting and maintaining seedlings.
“We are a team of young individuals from diverse fields of studies but united through the passion of saving our dear planet. We are tirelessly working on creating solutions to tackle the menace of climate change in our society,” he said.
Mr Hashim appealed to group and individuals to support the foundation to achieve its goals.
He called on residents to desist from allowing their animals to eat up the trees, which according to him, sabotaged the organization’s efforts.
