Chikun Residents Celebrate as NGO Distributes 2,000 Trees to Boost Climate Action

By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna

The people of Chikun Local Government Area were filled with excitement as Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative successfully concluded the first phase of its ambitious tree-planting exercise. The closing ceremony took place at the Palace of the Esu Chikun, His Royal Highness Mal. Ishaku Yari (Sa Gbagyi II), where 1,300 forest trees and 700 fruit trees were distributed to households, schools, churches, hospitals, and public institutions.

The initiative, funded by the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) and implemented by Bridge That Gap (BTG), aims to plant a total of 5,000 trees across Chikun LGA. Tree varieties distributed included cashew, guava, orange, pomegranate, date palm, palm trees, soursop, teak, eucalyptus, and gmaleina.

While welcoming the team, the Esu Chikun commended BTG for its commitment to tackling climate change.

“A green environment goes beyond aesthetics; it promotes sustainability and public health,” he said, adding that the palace surroundings would be the first beneficiaries of the forest trees. “I want as many trees as possible planted here. Let this street provide shade for everyone,” he declared.

Lydia Saleh, a member of the Network of Civil Societies in Environment (NCSE), highlighted the broader impact of the project.

“This initiative is not just about reducing global warming but about re-awakening individuals and communities to their responsibility of rebuilding the environment through tree planting. Trees are life-giving; they provide oxygen, shade, beauty, and even medicinal benefits. This is about resilience and responsibility to nature,” she said.

Mr. Zinta Akpoko, Programme Officer of BTG, emphasized the importance of community ownership.

“We need residents to embrace this project and sustain it beyond our intervention. It is the only way the impact will last,” he noted.

Residents also expressed their delight. Mrs. Rose Otitoyomi said she had been searching for the right crops for her land.

“I am so happy. Hopefully, in the next couple of years, I will have something to harvest palm kernels for my soup, broom for my home, and other useful resources,” she said.

Hon. Shadrach David Hassan, Wambai Rido Gbagyi, praised BTG for the initiative.

“This has inspired me to begin planting more trees. Trees are life to humanity and have a calming nature that can even prolong life,” he stated, pledging to spread the message of tree planting to places of worship, community gatherings, and beyond.

The distribution of the forest and fruit trees marked the beginning of a long-term climate action drive in Chikun LGA, aimed at fostering greener communities and encouraging eco-friendly practices among residents.