The Rotary Club of Kaduna has commenced the planting of 2,000 economic trees across key institutions in the state as part of efforts to mitigate climate change, combat deforestation, and promote nutrition.
Speaking during the flag-off at Kaduna Polytechnic, the President of the Club, Rotarian Ahmad Tijani, said the initiative, tagged “Plant a Tree, Save the Future,” would see 1,000 fruit-bearing trees planted within the Polytechnic and another 1,000 at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.
He explained that economic trees such as mango, orange, and guava were being planted not only to provide shade and restore the environment but also to improve nutrition for students and future generations.
“We are doing this for the future. You don’t plant a tree to benefit yourself immediately — you plant it for the next generation. Our forefathers planted what we are enjoying today, and we must also plant for tomorrow,” Tijani said.
He noted that Rotary was working closely with the Kaduna State Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Forestry to identify suitable planting sites, adding that the project was part of the Club’s annual commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Rotary president further urged organisations and individuals to support tree planting as a practical response to deforestation and climate change.
“Wherever you find yourself, make sure you impact your community by planting at least one tree. We appeal to those cutting down trees for charcoal to also replace them immediately so the environment can be sustainable,” he said.
On his part, Musa Nda Faruk, the Dean of Student Affairs at Kaduna Polytechnic, commended the Rotary Club for the intervention, stressing that the trees would serve multiple purposes for students and the campus environment.
According to him, economic trees provide oxygen, shade during the dry season, and fruits for students’ nutritional benefit.
“Tree planting contributes directly to human existence. It gives us fresh air, protects against wind and water erosion, and provides food like mangoes for students’ health and nourishment. This is a very welcome initiative for our school community,” Faruk said.
He added that the Polytechnic management had approved the project as part of Rotary’s corporate social responsibility, urging that similar initiatives be extended to other campuses of the institution.
The tree-planting exercise is being carried out in phases, with Rotary promising to sustain the effort annually, especially during the rainy season, to ensure long-term survival and environmental impact.