The federal ministry of environment has distributed one million seedlings to stakeholders to plant trees as part of efforts to protect the environment in Adamawa and the country at large.

Safiya Abubakar, controller federal ministry of environment, Adamawa, said this shortly after the Adamawa Mega Trek 2024 organised by Ambassadors of Dialogue, Climate and Reintegration (DCR), in Yola on Saturday.

She said the seedlings were distributed to higher institutions, civil society organisations (CSOs) and other stakeholders from June 1 to 7, as the month was set aside for tree planting.

She urged the benefiting communities to take care of the planted trees by watering and safeguarding them until they mature.

Ms Abubakar further appreciated the organisers for creating public awareness and urged other groups to emulate them for environmental protection.

Richard Inyamkume, founder and president DCR said, the aim of the trek was to create public awareness about the World Environmental Day and mobilise structures towards reducing carbon footprint.

He called on the public to learn restoration through sustainable ways of living and practice lean conservation by planting more trees.

He advised government at all levels to always ensure planted trees were protected and nurtured up to maturity.

“Whenever trees are planted there should be a monitoring committee to safeguard them from animals and water them to grow up.

“And this will create job opportunities for the young people who will take care of the trees to grow successfully,” he said.

Mr Inyamkume further called for attitudinal change on negative actions in the society that affect the environment.

Sarah Jackson, executive director, Against All Odds Foundation, called on the participants to step down the message in their respective communities for a bright future.

(NAN)