As one of the world's developing countries, Nigeria is bearing the load of adverse impacts of climate change. This is attributed to the lack of technology, infrastructure and economic advancement enjoyed by developed countries.
Although tree planting has been identified as one of the ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change on humanity, efforts of government at all level leaves much to be desired.
Gladly, many non-governmental organisations are filling the gaps in their various areas of focus and intervention.
One of them is the Webmark Foundation, which in partnership with the Rotary Club of Abuja, Lugbe FHA Estate, recently embarked on a tree planting campaign in Dafara, one of the communities in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Tree planting is a proven way of mitigating the negative impacts of climate change, especially erosion and carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Planting trees will sequester carbon in the future. In one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange.
On the occasion, the President of Webmark Foundation, Engr. Tunmise Adepoju spoke on the history of the cordial relationship between the organisation and the Dafara community, a development he noted informed the Foundation’s resolve to give back to the community.
“We have had reasons to cut off or uproot trees within the community. That is the main reason we decided to embark on Planting Trees that will last longer and help the community to replace the ones we cut,” he said.
He added, "Webmark Foundation has planted 40 Trees in Karshi community, 30 in Gurku community and now 100 in Dafara community. Trees help beautify and preserve the environment.”
The foundation, Adepoju noted, would do much more for the community, which had maintained a cordial relationship with it for several years. “We have never had any issue with our properties within this community for some years. As a matter of fact, Webmark Foundation has adopted Dafara as our own community, and we have plans to do many projects here, not only limited to tree planting,” he said.
“We have done Solar powered Street light for here, and we have plans to do Solar-Powered Borehole, renovate their health centre, as well as carry out Rural Health Outreaches, Rural education/literacy and Skill acquisition program,” he promised.
The President also explained the decision to partner with the Rotary Club in the tree-planting campaign. “We are not the only humanitarian organisation within this area, hence the reason for partnering with a credible and noble body, Rotary International, particularly the Rotary Club of Abuja, Lugbe FHA Estate.”
The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja, Lugbe FHA Estate, Adetundun Ayeni, was full of gratitude to the Webmark Foundation President and her team for partnering with the Club on a mission capable of helping humanity secure the future that is threatened by climate change.
She noted that “tree planting is a project recognised worldwide to fight against pollution and for free fresh air for all. On the plan to renovate the health centre in the Dafara community, we will work hand in hand with the foundation to make it a reality.”
The spokesperson for the Dafara community, Yunana Joseph, in a remark, appreciated the gesture of Webmark Foundation and Rotary Club and promised to nurture the trees to maturity to beautify the community and fight the negative impact of climate change.
Representatives of Kuje Area Council were also present at the event.
