The Federal University Birnin Kebbi, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund, has inaugurated the ‘Green Rising Campaign’ with the planting of 1,000 tree seedlings.

The campaign aims to promote youth-led climate action and environmental sustainability.

The vice-chancellor of the university, Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, said during the inauguration in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday that the initiative aligned with the institution’s commitment to environmental conservation.

He said the campaign was implemented with the Kebbi Ministry of Environment and the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), Kebbi chapter.

‘’Also in collaboration are the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, the Go Green Foundation and the Students’ Union Government,’’ he said.

Mr Zaiyan-Umar said the campaign built on the university’s afforestation programme, noting that FUBK had planted over 12,000 trees and established a tree nursery since 2018.

The vice-chancellor directed relevant university units to ensure proper nurturing, monitoring and protection of the newly planted seedlings to guarantee their survival.

Mr Zaiyan-Umar restated that every tree planted must be preserved for future generations. He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with UNICEF and other stakeholders to advance sustainable environmental initiatives.

UNICEF official Toyin Adisa stated that the campaign was designed to inspire and empower young people to champion climate action through tree planting and environmental stewardship.

Mr Adisa is a UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Facilitator supporting Kebbi.

He commended FUBK for embracing the initiative and expressed confidence in the university’s capacity to sustain the project.

The director of Environment at the Kebbi Ministry of Environment, Dantani Sarki, urged the university to ensure proper care and monitoring of the seedlings to maximise their environmental impact.

(NAN)