PRESS RELEASE:Ensure You Plant a Tree, Minister Charges Abuja Residents

                                                           

As part of efforts aimed at safeguarding the eco-system in the Federal Capital Territory, the FCT Administration has charged residents and corporate organizations to imbibe the habit of tree planting.

The FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello gave the charge Monday at the 2017 World Environment Day Celebration in Abuja.

Malam Bello who was represented at the event by FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye reiterated that the citizens must join the government as it steps up efforts to safeguard the environment against any distortion especially indiscriminate felling of trees which he said could increase global warming.

His words: “Cutting off a tree without permission is an offence and if you must do it, then you have to obtain permission from the right authority and pay the prescribed fees”.

The Minister further explained that as part of the commitment of FCT Administration to ensure sustainable protection of the environment in the Territory, it has introduced several programmes such as the Household and Community Sanitation exercise, integrated solid waste management(ISWM) as well as mobile truck waste collection system. He said others include aggressive campaign against bush burning, the ongoing city beautification project among others.

He commended the Federal Government for making tremendous efforts towards protecting the eco-syetem for the benefit of the present generation and posterity.

Earlier, the Acting Coordinator of Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Hajiya Safiya Umar explained that the essence of the programme was to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining a safe and healthy environment.

Professor M.M Alhassan of the Abuja University also called on residents of the Territory to use the occasion to reflect on nature.

Signed:

Tony Odey, Press Secretary, FCT Permanent Secretary’s Office.