UNICEF Leads Tree Planting Campaign in Dass, Calls for Youth-Driven Environmental Restoration

From Paul Orude, Bauchi

As part of the 2025 World Environment Day (WED) celebration themed “Our Land, Our Future – We Are #GenerationRestoration,” the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Bauchi Field Office, in partnership with the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), led a large-scale tree planting campaign in Dass Local Government Area to combat land degradation and promote climate resilience.

Nuchat Rafique, The Chief of UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office

The initiative brought together key stakeholders including the Bauchi State Government, local authorities, traditional rulers, academic institutions, and development partners, all united by a shared commitment to environmental restoration through community-led action.

Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, emphasised the urgency of engaging young people and communities to ensure sustainable environmental change.

“The youth are the hands that will shape our future. Involving them in tree planting and climate action not only restores our environment but also channels their energy positively,” she stated.

Musa Garba Bundot, Assistant General Manager, Water Supply, Represented General Manager

She lauded Governor Bala Mohammed, the Executive Chairman of Dass LGA, the Emir of Dass, and RUWASSA for their commitment, adding that UNICEF’s environmental initiatives are rooted in youth involvement and community ownership.

“Sustainability comes from continuity. We don’t want tree planting to be a one-off event; we want it to become a lifestyle,” she added, noting that UNICEF’s efforts span across climate resilience, WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene), and youth empowerment.

Executive Chairman, Dass LGA, and UNICEF Chief of Office, Bauchí, lead stakeholders on tree planting campaign in Dass

RUWASSA’s Assistant General Manager, Water Supply, Musa Garba Bundot, representing the agency’s General Manager, praised UNICEF for its unwavering support in capacity building and service delivery. He revealed that Bauchi State now boasts 67% water supply coverage and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing water needed to sustain tree planting efforts.

“You can’t talk about growing trees without access to water. We’ll continue to support communities in this regard,” he assured.

Dass LGA Chairman, Comrade Abubakar Mohammed Jibo, expressed gratitude to UNICEF and partners for their investment in the area, citing Dass as the first LGA in Bauchi to attain Open Defecation Free (ODF) status.

“Tree planting will help prevent desertification, flooding, and erosion. Our future lies in this initiative,” he stated, adding that the LGA’s 2026 budget will include allocations for malnutrition, thanks to UNICEF’s earlier interventions in nutrition awareness and PHC improvements.

Rafique and Dr Kabir of ACReSAL planting a tree at College of Education Technical Dass As Chairman Hon Jibo watches from background

Dr Kabir Ibrahim Kabir, State Coordinator of the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), announced the establishment of a two-hectare nursery to raise over 100,000 seedlings and the commencement of a shelterbelt to protect Dass from windstorms. ACReSAL, he said, is also supporting local youth with agro-processing machines and tools to boost sustainable livelihoods.

The Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, echoed the need for every district in the emirate to plant trees and take ownership of environmental protection.

The Provost of the College of Education Technical, Dass, also affirmed the institution’s pledge to plant 1,200 trees by July 2025, urging both staff and students to each plant at least one tree in support of the campaign.

“Protecting the environment is about protecting human life. This campaign is not just symbolic—it’s a necessity,” he said.

The tree planting campaign in Dass serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the environment, with UNICEF reinforcing that community action and youth engagement are the strongest roots for lasting environmental restoration