Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has launched a major environmental initiative aimed at planting 10,000 economic trees across communities in Kogi Central, describing the project as a long-term investment in environmental protection, food security and economic empowerment.
The initiative, tagged: “Growing Kogi Central, Building Our Future,” seeks to address the growing impacts of climate change through afforestation while creating sustainable livelihoods for residents.
The project will see the planting of economically valuable tree species such as mango, orange, guava, moringa, neem and other indigenous varieties known for their environmental, nutritional and commercial value.
Speaking during the launch, Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan said the campaign goes beyond tree planting, stressing that it represents Kogi Central’s contribution to global climate action and environmental restoration.
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According to her, every tree planted will help absorb carbon emissions, restore degraded land, reduce soil erosion, improve biodiversity and strengthen agricultural productivity, while also generating income for households through fruit production and other commercial uses.
She noted that the programme aligns with global climate commitments championed at United Nations climate conferences, where governments are encouraged to adopt nature-based solutions to tackle climate change.
The senator explained that focusing on economic trees was a deliberate strategy to ensure communities benefit not only from improved environmental conditions but also from enhanced livelihoods.
Sen. Akpoti-Uduaghan also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, schools, women and youth groups, farmers and civil society organisations to take ownership of the initiative by nurturing the trees after planting.
She warned that climate change is already affecting local communities through rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, soil erosion and declining agricultural yields, adding that grassroots participation is essential to reversing the trend.
Environmental experts have consistently identified afforestation and reforestation as some of the most effective natural approaches to reducing carbon emissions, restoring ecosystems, conserving biodiversity and improving soil fertility.
Residents and environmental advocates who attended the launch welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that the project would deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits across communities in Kogi Central.
