ENVIRONMENT:TARABA STATE GOVERNMENT FLAGS OFF 2026 SCHOOL TREE PLANTING CAMPAIGN AT FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIRLS' COLLEGE, JALINGO.
By our Correspondent, July 9, 2026
The Taraba State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change officially flagged off the 2026 School Tree Planting Campaign at the Federal Government Girls' College (FGGC), Jalingo, reaffirming the State Government's commitment to environmental sustainability, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and environmental stewardship among young people.
The ceremony was led by the Honourable Commissioner of Environment and Climate Change, Hajiya Aishat A. Barde (Zinariyan Mumuyawa), a distinguished alumna of FGGC Jalingo and the school's first Social Prefect. Dignitaries in attendance included the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Hon. Dr. Tafataki Agbadu Eneme; the Honourable Commissioner of Secondary, Vocational and Technical Education, Dr. Augustina Godwin Yahaya; the Chairman of Jalingo Local Government Area, Hon. Nura Danshoho; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Aminu Ayuba; management and staff of the Ministry; environmental stakeholders; members of the FGGC Old Girls Association; teachers; students; and other invited guests.
The event commenced with an environmental-themed poem presented by students. In her welcome address, the Principal of FGGC Jalingo, Mrs. Rose Sule, appreciated the Ministry for selecting the school to host the flag-off and pledged the school's commitment to nurturing the planted trees.
In his remarks, Hon. Dr. Tafataki Agbadu Eneme commended the Honourable Commissioner for her visionary leadership and commitment to environmental protection and climate action. He described the campaign as a strategic investment in environmental sustainability and donated improved mango seedlings for distribution to students.
Delivering the keynote address, Hajiya Aishat A. Barde emphasized that tree planting is one of the most effective and affordable nature-based solutions for combating climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, improving air quality, and strengthening ecological resilience. She urged students to see every tree as an investment in the future, adopt environmentally responsible lifestyles, and become champions of environmental sustainability by promoting climate-smart practices in their schools, homes, and communities. She further stressed that environmental protection is a shared responsibility requiring the active participation of every citizen.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the official induction of selected students as Environmental Ambassadors, empowering them to promote environmental awareness, support tree planting and conservation initiatives, and inspire sustainable environmental practices among their peers.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Augustina Godwin Yahaya commended the Ministry for its commitment to protecting lives and the environment and encouraged the students to combine academic excellence with their new responsibilities as Environmental Ambassadors.
Members of the FGGC Old Girls Association applauded the Honourable Commissioner for her outstanding leadership in environmental governance. Speaking on behalf of the association, Madam Susan Noku thanked God for the successful programme and commended the Commissioner for her dedication to advancing environmental sustainability across Taraba State.
Also speaking, Hon. Nura Danshoho described the campaign as a timely initiative that aligns with global efforts to address climate change through community participation and ecosystem restoration.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Aminu Ayuba appreciated all participants for their support and described tree planting as a critical nature-based solution for climate change mitigation and adaptation. He assured stakeholders that the Ministry would continue to monitor and maintain the planted seedlings to ensure their survival.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic tree planting exercise by the dignitaries, during which 160 tree seedlings were planted, officially launching the 2026 Taraba State School Tree Planting Campaign and reinforcing the State Government's commitment to building a greener, healthier, and more climate-resilient Taraba State.
The event also marked an inspiring homecoming for Hajiya Aishat A. Barde, whose return to her alma mater as Honourable Commissioner demonstrated the value of giving back to society and inspired students to pursue excellence, embrace environmental responsibility, and contribute meaningfully to the sustainable development of Taraba State and Nigeria.
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