Katsina Targets 11m Trees by 2030 As Radda Launches Statewide Greening Campaign

Katsina Governor Dikko Umaru Radda inaugurated a statewide tree-planting initiative called the Katsina-One-Tree Initiative (KT1T), with the goal of planting and caring for 11 million trees by 2030. This effort aims to combat desertification, restore degraded lands, and enhance climate resilience across all 34 local government areas and 6,652 Climate Intervention Areas within the state.

Radda launched the campaign at Ladanawa in Rimi Local Government Area, urging residents, public institutions, and community leaders to share the responsibility for environmental protection. He emphasized that the success of the program would be measured by the survival and maturity of the trees, rather than the quantity of seedlings distributed.

Radda stated, "Our target is clear: 11 million trees by 2030, beginning with two million trees in 2026. Our message is simple: One Person, One Tree, One Responsibility. A seedling distributed is an opportunity. A tree that survives is an achievement. We will not count ceremonies; we will count living trees."

The governor highlighted the importance of environmental protection for agricultural productivity, food security, and sustainable development. He warned that desertification, climate change, and flooding pose serious risks to livelihoods and community stability. Radda explained that trees protect farmlands from wind erosion, improve soil fertility, provide fruits and fodder for animals, and generate additional income for rural households.

To ensure the initiative's success, Katsina Radda announced the formation of a Central Steering Committee, three zonal monitoring committees, supervisory committees at the local government level, and implementation committees at the ward level. He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, farmers, pastoralists, women, youths, and community leaders to take ownership of the programme, stressing that sustained community participation would determine its long-term success.

Radda also directed educational institutions, healthcare facilities, ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as local governments, to actively participate in the campaign, emphasizing the necessity of transparent implementation, accurate registration, and sound financial management.