Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched an ambitious environmental initiative to plant 2,080 trees within three months. The effort aims to enhance environmental sustainability and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in the region.
Speaking at a workshop on Tree Planting, Waste Recycling, and Sustainable Practices held at ABU, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala, represented by Prof. Sahalu Junaid, emphasized the university’s longstanding commitment to tree planting. He noted that ABU has planted over five million trees across its campuses in the past five years.
The partnership, established under UNICEF’s Green Rising Initiative, also incorporates sustainable waste management practices. As part of the initiative, UNICEF has supported the construction of 12 waste collection kiosks across the campus, encouraging students to participate in recycling efforts.
A key focus of the initiative is youth engagement. “UNICEF and ABU want these initiatives to be youth-driven so that students can leverage them for entrepreneurship opportunities,” Bala stated.
The tree-planting project will cover five hectares, with student volunteers receiving support from UNICEF, including transportation and refreshment stipends of N2,000 and N1,500, respectively. The initiative requires at least 100 student volunteers per field visit, scheduled three times a week.
Ms. Theresa Pamma, a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Expert at UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, highlighted ABU’s strategic role in the Green Rising Project. She noted that the university’s large and diverse student population makes it an ideal partner for expanding climate action efforts nationwide.
“ABU’s history, student population, and past climate action initiatives made it a natural choice for this partnership. Our goal is to increase climate awareness and encourage youth participation in real, impactful interventions,” Pamma explained.
Due to overwhelming student interest, UNICEF is considering increasing the number of volunteers beyond the initial target of 200.
Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in collaboration with UNICEF, has launched an ambitious environmental initiative to plant 2,080 trees within three months. The effort aims to enhance environmental sustainability and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change in the region.
Speaking at a workshop on Tree Planting, Waste Recycling, and Sustainable Practices held at ABU, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Bala, represented by Prof. Sahalu Junaid, emphasized the university’s longstanding commitment to tree planting. He noted that ABU has planted over five million trees across its campuses in the past five years.
The partnership, established under UNICEF’s Green Rising Initiative, also incorporates sustainable waste management practices. As part of the initiative, UNICEF has supported the construction of 12 waste collection kiosks across the campus, encouraging students to participate in recycling efforts.
A key focus of the initiative is youth engagement. “UNICEF and ABU want these initiatives to be youth-driven so that students can leverage them for entrepreneurship opportunities,” Bala stated.
The tree-planting project will cover five hectares, with student volunteers receiving support from UNICEF, including transportation and refreshment stipends of N2,000 and N1,500, respectively. The initiative requires at least 100 student volunteers per field visit, scheduled three times a week.
Ms. Theresa Pamma, a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Expert at UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, highlighted ABU’s strategic role in the Green Rising Project. She noted that the university’s large and diverse student population makes it an ideal partner for expanding climate action efforts nationwide.
“ABU’s history, student population, and past climate action initiatives made it a natural choice for this partnership. Our goal is to increase climate awareness and encourage youth participation in real, impactful interventions,” Pamma explained.
Due to overwhelming student interest, UNICEF is considering increasing the number of volunteers beyond the initial target of 200.
