The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a culture of environmental sustainability among young people in Bauchi State through tree planting initiatives.
During a tree planting campaign held at the College of Education Technical Dass (COETD) to commemorate World Environment Day 2025, the Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, emphasized the crucial role of youth in addressing climate change and securing a healthy planet for future generations.
Rafique highlighted that involving children and young adults in tree planting and environmental conservation is essential, stating, “Our land is our future. So are the generations our future. They need to be restored.” She described climate change as a significant threat to both children and the environment and called for sustained youth engagement in sustainability initiatives.
“Youth are the pillars of communities and nations. They are the energy of the future, and they must be well-aware, engaged, and on the right path to reach their full potential,” Rafique said.
She noted that UNICEF is actively working with young people through programs such as Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and climate resilience campaigns to build awareness and foster proactive environmental practices.
Calling for long-term commitment, Rafique said, “We want youth and communities to grow plants every day, and that should continue for years to come.”
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of Dass Local Government Council, Mohammad Jibo, praised the efforts of UNICEF, the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACRESAL) project. He described the initiative as a major milestone in the community’s journey toward environmental sustainability.
“We must work together to protect our environment and ensure a livable future for generations to come. I commend the efforts of Dass College of Education and our development partners for organising this vital initiative,” Jibo said.
The campaign aims to raise awareness of climate action and instill a lasting tree planting culture among students and communities in Bauchi and beyond.
