A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), serving in Ebonyi State, Godshield Kanjal, has flagged-off the planting of over 6,000 economic trees in the state.
He said the excercise is aimed at tackling climate change and poverty in the state.
Speaking at the flag off of the exercise at Achara Community School, Ugwu-Achara, Ebonyi state, the NYSC member explained that although in recent times, the debate on tackling climate change and poverty in most countries of the world had topped the agenda at different fora, it was high time resolutions of such debates were implemented in the grassroots.
He noted that following the huge impact global warming poses on the environment, such as intense rainfall, flood, severe and frequent heat waves among others, the idea to tackle it head-on for the period of his one-year compulsory service to fatherland became necessary.
He added that the project was part of his personal Community Development Service (CDS), a cardinal programme of the scheme, hence achieving the seventh Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of environmental sustainability.
According to him: "improved specie of economic trees such as orange, bush mango, guava, oil palm, avocado pear, cashew among others in private homes, public property and on road sides could help reduce poverty in Africa.
Mr. Kanjal opined that there is huge wealth in planting economic trees and many people do not know this. "I urge every teacher and pupil here to go home and plant at least one economic tree at home".
He added that part of strategy employed to convey the message to the people of the state is through local radio and TV jingles, urging the people of the state to listen regularly to Unity FM 101.5 and salt FM, Abakaliki.
He said radio programme would be aired on those stations both in English and Igbo languages.
Also speaking, the Head Mistress of the pilot school, Mrs Orji Agnes Ezine lauded the project saying "this is the best project I have ever seen from an NYSC member. Indeed, it is a multi purpose project which is aimed at curbing climate change and poverty.
We the entire staff of Achara Community School are proud of you. All my teachers have indicated interest in your project. They have confided in me that they want to plant economic trees in their respective homes and with this determination, your six thousand economic trees target would be achieved," she said.
Mrs Orji further advised government to make available improved species of economic trees at affordable rate to the people of the state.

Reacting, the state commissioner of Environment, Hon Moses Ogodoali lauded the corps member's initiative, promising to support the project.
The State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Mbachi Gladys who was represented by the Abkaliki Local Government Inspector of NYSC, Barr Ngwoke Nwokoro applauded the corp member, In his remarks, he appreciated and congratulated Mr. Kanjal on the successful flag off of the tree planting campaign in selected schools, "You are indeed a very special corps member who in spite of the economic situation in the country has decided to touch lives through planting of economic trees in schools, we salute you for living the dream of the scheme through community development service which is one the cardinal programs of NYSC".
He wrapped up his speech by enjoining Mr Kanjal to continue in his good works and service to humanity.

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Typo error. Noted.