The Katsina State Government has launched the Katsina-One-Tree Initiative, a programme designed to plant and nurture 11 million trees across the state by 2030. Governor Dikko Radda revealed the goal on Monday at the official flag-off ceremony in Ladanawa, Rimi Local Government Area. According to Punch, the campaign will start with two million trees in 2026 and extend to all 34 local government areas and 6,652 Climate Intervention Areas. Radda described the effort as essential for shielding farmlands from wind erosion and stabilizing food supplies against the threats of desertification and flooding. He noted that climate instability often drives up costs and displaces rural youth, making tree cover a vital economic asset for the region.
To manage the rollout, the governor created a central oversight body and three zonal monitoring groups based in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua. Additional supervisory teams will operate at the local government and ward levels. The administration also instructed over 3,800 schools, clinics, and government offices to maintain greenery on their grounds. Radda emphasized that success depends on tangible outcomes rather than ceremonial planting, urging citizens to water and protect seedlings. He specifically called for households to shift away from firewood and charcoal, especially as the dry harmattan season nears, and to adopt cleaner cooking technologies.
Federal support was underscored by Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, head of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, who represented the Agriculture Minister. Abubakar stated that the federal government would provide technical aid and spatial monitoring tools to track environmental data. These systems are intended to enhance national climate records and facilitate access to carbon finance. He highlighted that grassroots participation by traditional leaders and young people is crucial for long-term socioeconomic benefits.
Prof. Al’Ameen Muhammad, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Climate Change, explained that the project aligns with the state’s Building Your Future Strategic Policy. He said the initiative focuses on ecosystem restoration and natural resource management, aiming to generate employment and food security. Muhammad added that the programme could yield revenue through carbon credits if trees survive and mature. The launch was attended by state executives, traditional rulers, and community representatives, all of whom pledged to support the 2030 target.