“Julius Berger, FRIN, And NCF Unite For Massive Tree Planting Project In Abuja”

Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, in partnership with the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), recently conducted a large-scale tree planting exercise at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Abuja, according to iReporter Online.

The event, which took place last Friday, saw the planting of over 20,000 indigenous tree seedlings as part of concerted efforts to promote environmental sustainability, combat deforestation, and enhance biodiversity.

This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader climate change mitigation and sustainable development goals, according to iReporter Online.

FRIN provided expert guidance on species selection and ecological appropriateness, while NCF offered its expertise in conservation and community engagement. Julius Berger funded and coordinated the entire project.

Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. O.O. Oluyede, Major General J.Y. Maina, Dean of Faculty, General Research at the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre, emphasized the connection between environmental stewardship and national security.

“Climate change, desertification, and environmental degradation pose long-term threats to national stability. Tree planting is not just an ecological necessity; it is an investment in our future,” Maina remarked.

He hailed the initiative as a strong example of collaboration between the military, government agencies, and private sector players.

On behalf of NCF Director-General, Dr. Joseph Onoja, the foundation’s Zonal Coordinator, Mr. Garba Boyi, stated that the exercise supports the Green Recovery Nigeria programme aimed at restoring the country’s vegetation cover.

“We have less than 10% of our vegetation cover remaining. This initiative is part of our contribution to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development,” Boyi said, while commending Julius Berger’s active role in backing the project.

Prof. Zacharia Buba Yadura, Director-General of FRIN, also praised the partnership, acknowledging that the initiative initially lacked sponsors until Julius Berger, through NCF, stepped in with support.

The occasion was attended by key stakeholders from the public, private, and military sectors, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Mr. Mahmud Adam Kambari (representing the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarbe Abbas Lawal), senior military officers, FRIN and NCF representatives, and officials from Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, according to iReporter Online.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”