The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Lawal, inaugurated the Biodiversity Conservation Centre and the launch of a one million trees planting campaign at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna on Thursday.
In his remarks, the Minister praised the NDA’s initiative, describing it as “a potential wake-up call for others to join the train.” Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, Lawal highlighted the significance of integrating biodiversity conservation and tree planting within the defense sector, noting its departure from traditional roles.
“My excitement stems from the uniqueness of this occasion whereby biodiversity conservation and tree planting are taking place within the Defence sector and completely outside the traditional jurisdiction,” Lawal said. He commended the NDA for establishing itself as a leader in efforts to restore, protect, and conserve Nigeria’s natural heritage.
Lawal also emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Environment and the NDA to ensure the sustainability of the Biodiversity Conservation Centre and its benefits. “We intend to optimize this collaboration by consistently working together with the NDA for the sustainability of the Biodiversity Conservation Centre and its invaluable benefits,” he added.
The Commandant of the NDA, Major General John Ochai, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Environment for its active partnership. He noted that the one million trees being planted were established under the ‘NDA Biodiversity and Conservation Centre’.
The event also featured the symbolic planting of a tree by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Mahmud Kambari, representing the Minister of Environment.
