Yobe ACReSAL Launches Planting of 3000 Seedlings at Army Base
By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The Yobe Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has commenced land restoration project aiming to revitalize 20 hectares of land through planting of assorted seedlings.
A statement issued by the Communication Officer, Ibrahim Baba Saleh, said the exercise which was launched Tuesday within the vicinity of 233 Battalion, 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Damaturu, involved the planting of over 3,000 tree seedlings.
Speaking on the objective of the initiative, the Project Coordinator ACReSAL, Shehu Alhaji Mohammed said massive tree planting is part of ACReSAL’s strategic approach to achieving land restoration under its Dry Land Management component.
Shehu said he was impressed with the readiness of the military personnel in promoting environmental sustainability by participating fully in the exercise, and demonstrating greater commitment to nurture the trees.
“Today’s event marks a significant milestone in our quest to protect and preserve our environment. We are proud to partner with the Nigerian Army in this initiative, and we look forward to a fruitful collaboration,” he said
To further compliment the effort of the army, the coordinator announced that a solar powered borehole will be constructed purposely to water the trees after the rainy season.
He allocated one Community Revolving Fund (CRF) loan CIG to farmers in the barrack.
In his remarks, the Commander, Headquarter of Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai, Brig. Gen MCE Ejike, commended ACReSAL for its proactive approach in addressing the effects of climate change.
According to him, the collaborative effort will foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the soldiers, and ensure long term success of the project.
The Commander emphasized the importance of environmental restoration in addressing the challenges of climate change, soil erosion, and desert encroachment.
Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer 233-7 Div Battalion, Lt Col. F Abdusalam, assured ACReSAL that they would take good care of the trees for future benefit.
