. Tree Planting Campaign Ahead in Host Community
The Vice – Chancellor, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Abdullahi. Bala fsssn, has expressed joy that the Main Campus, Gidan Kwano is gradually being transformed to a ‘green city’ through deliberate efforts by the University Management and its Afforestation and Landscaping Committee.
The VC made this known on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 while flagging – off the 4th FUT, Minna Tree Planting Activity at the premises of the School of Physical Sciences, Main Campus, Gidan Kwano.
Prof. Bala who spoke on the usefulness of maintaining a green environment said, in addition to the provision of shield and very many other uses, it provides a strong wind break against the impact of storm.
“ You would notice that some of the University’s buildings were affected by storm at the beginning of the rainy season. So long as we continue to plant trees, we will also continue to protect our structures against adverse effect of strong wind,” he reiterated.
Prof. Bala disclosed that as part of the its community service, the University will soon organize a special tree planting campaign in Gidan Kwano, where free seedlings will be shared to members of the community to plant around their houses, adding that at the end of the year, prizes will be given to those who nurtured their plants, as a way of encouragement to them.
He said this year’s occasion was crucial as primary and secondary schools within the host community were involved, just as members of the University Governing Council were also invited to participate in the planting exercise.
Said he, “It is very important that we involve the younger ones so as to expose them at an early age to some of the benefits of maintaining a green environment. At the end of the exercise, they will be given seedlings to plant in their schools and taught how to nurture them.”
He also disclosed that plans were on under way to organise younger ones into environmental or forestry society so that they can continue to promote the practice in their localities.
Earlier in her speech, the Chairperson, Afforestation and Landscaping Committee, Prof. ( Mrs) Zinash Osunde who said trees are beneficial to humanity, animals and environment, noted that experience over years saw people destroying plants while parking their vehicles and some cutting off the head of trees. The act she said, may not be deliberate but it is just that they are not sensitive to the trees.
She maintained that the ceremonial tree planting exercise was to sensitize people on the need to be sensitive to trees so as to maintain a green environment.
“ A tree does not grow to maturity within two years. It takes a long time to grow to become a big tree before we can benefit from its advantages. During this period, we have to nurture it, “ Prof. Osunde explained.
The Chairperson while appealing to the staff of SPS to allow those caring for the plants access water and also be sensitive to plants, especially when packing their vehicles, explained that students of Hammana Interest College, Gidan Kwano Primary School, Gaskiya Nursery Primary and Secondary School, Gidan Kwano were invited to participate in the planting exercise so that they would pass the message to the community on the need to plant a tree and nurture it to growth.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Olu Obafemi who was represented by a member of Council, Dr. Chike Onwe, the VC, members of Council, other Principal Officers, former Principal Officers, ass well as Deans, Directors, Chairperson, APWEN, Heads of Department/Unit and students and pupils from the invited schools planted trees.