Nasarawa Govt Urges Citizens to Plant Trees to Tackle Climate Change
As climate change continues to affect communities across Nigeria, the Nasarawa State Government has intensified efforts to promote environmental sustainability by encouraging residents to embrace tree planting as a vital weapon against climate change.
During the first environmental sanitation exercise of 2026 held in Lafia, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Margaret Elayo, charged citizens to take personal responsibility for protecting the environment through tree planting and proper waste disposal.
According to her, climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present reality that requires immediate action from both government and the people.
Tree Planting as Climate Action
To demonstrate its commitment, the Nasarawa State Government planted 100 trees at Dunama College Secondary School. This initiative aims to encourage students and young people to develop environmental responsibility and understand the importance of protecting nature.
Tree planting plays a major role in:
Reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
Preventing soil erosion and desertification
Improving air quality
Cooling urban and school environments
Protecting biodiversity
For students and campus communities, trees provide shade, improve learning conditions, and contribute to healthier surroundings.
Why Students Must Lead the Change
Young people are at the center of the climate crisis—and also the solution. Schools and universities offer the perfect platform for environmental advocacy. By planting trees and keeping surroundings clean, students can directly contribute to sustainable development while inspiring others.
Climate education combined with action helps students understand:
The impact of human activity on the environment
How simple actions can make long-term change
The importance of community participation
Call to Action for Campus Connect Readers
Campus Connect urges students and youth groups across Nigeria to join the climate movement by taking practical steps such as:
✔ Organising tree-planting campaigns on campus
✔ Partnering with local environmental agencies
✔ Creating awareness through clubs and student unions
✔ Adopting and caring for planted trees
✔ Promoting waste recycling and sanitation
Protecting the environment is not the duty of government alone—it is a shared responsibility. The future of Nigeria’s climate depends on the actions we take today
