N-HYPPADEC asks for more tree planting to celebrate World Environment Day
N-HYPPADEC asks for more tree planting to celebrate World Environment Day
As the world marks the 2025 Environment Day, the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC) has raised awareness on the danger of plastic waste, the need for its effective management and called for massive planting of trees.
Under the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”, N-HYPPADEC organised an awareness campaign on Thursday and distributed 1000 seedlings to GYB Model Science School and royal fathers in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
The Ag. Managing Director/CEO of N-HYPPADEC, Dr. Jimoh Gobi, emphasised the need for collective action to beat plastic pollution, which poses significant threats to the environment, human health, and the economy.
Gobi noted that N-HYPPADEC has launched several eco-friendly initiatives, including the construction of flood control structures, establishment of tree seedlings nurseries, and desilting of blocked drainages and culverts.
“We have construction of Flood Control Structures in Benue, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, and other vulnerable locations, mitigating the impact of recurring floods and ensuring safer communities.
“We have established Tree Seedlings Nurseries in all the 10 N-HYPPADEC states, each with a production capacity of 1 million seedlings annually.
“We are also set to flag off our massive Desilting and Evacuation of Blocked Drainages and Culverts—covering 348,223 Linear Meters across the 10 N-HYPPADEC states, to prevent township flooding and improve water flow in key communities,” Gobi said.
The Kogi State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Monday Anyebe, representing Governor Ahmed Ododo, thanked N-HYPPADEC for choosing to hold the environmental day in schools.
The governor stressed that the initiative would inculcate effective waste disposal and management practices in the younger generations.
Also speaking, Dr Ekele Ochedi, the Chairman, Nigerian Environmental Society, Kogi chapter, stressed that plastic pollution has become a global challenge as it permeated every part of the planet.
The monarch, Maigari of Lokoja, Alh. Ibrahim Gambo, who represented by Etsu Andankolo, Chief David Agbayi, also called for collaborative efforts to tackle indiscriminate waste disposal in Lokoja metropolis.
The guest speaker, Prof. Salihu Musa, from Federal University Lokoja, highlighted the devastating impact of plastic waste on the environment, human health, and the economy.
Musa recommended banning and regulating harmful plastics, strengthening recycling infrastructure, incentivizing innovation, education, and empowerment, and fostering public-private partnerships.
The highlight of the event was the flagging off of the 2025 tree planting initiative, drainage desiltation and evacuation, Flood early warning campaign, and distribution of 1000 tree seedlings.
