UNICEF Mobilizes Bauchi Youths to Plant Trees, Combat Climate Change and Flooding

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has intensified its call to action for youths and residents of Bauchi State, urging them to embrace tree planting as a critical strategy to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change, curb desertification, and prevent perennial flooding. The appeal, made during various events commemorating the 2025 World Environment Day, underscores the urgent need for environmental restoration in the state.

Speaking at an event held at the College of Agriculture, Bauchi, on Friday, June 20, 2025, Nanbam Michael, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Officer for the Bauchi Field Office, emphasized the profound link between afforestation and environmental resilience. “Increased tree planting can help reduce the risk of flooding caused by heavy rainfall and storms, which often lead to the destruction of homes and farmlands,” Michael stated, advocating that for every tree felled, at least five new ones should be planted to ensure environmental balance.

The Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Nuzhat Rafique, reiterated this message during another tree planting campaign at the College of Education Technical Dass on Thursday, July 3, 2025. She stressed the importance of actively involving youth in environmental sustainability, asserting, “Our land is our future. So are the generations our future. They need to be restored.” Rafique highlighted that youth are the “pillars of communities and nations” and their engagement is essential to building a safe and healthy planet for future generations.

The initiatives align with the 2025 World Environment Day theme, “Our Land. Our Future. We are #GenerationRestoration,” which serves as the United Nations’ flagship call for global awareness and action on environmental protection. UNICEF, in collaboration with the Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), strategically selected tertiary institutions for targeted advocacy to instill a lasting culture of tree planting among young people.

Officials noted that rampant indiscriminate tree cutting in the region contributes significantly to desertification, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. By promoting widespread tree planting, UNICEF believes the state can improve groundwater recharge, enhance air quality, and secure a healthier, more stable environment.

During the events, students and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members actively participated, planting numerous trees on campus grounds and pledging to nurture them while spreading awareness within their communities. This collective effort by UNICEF, local government, traditional leaders, and youth aims to build a sustainable future where every tree planted is viewed as a vital investment in the health, climate, and economy of generations to come.