“OXFAM in Nigeria is developing an efficient solution to a general increase in average temperatures of the Earth, which modifies the weather balances and ecosystems”, OXFAM Livelihood Programme Officer, Mr Enoch Bamaiyi has said.

Speaking at the inaugural launch of the “One Person 4 Trees Campaign” in Ambursa, Birnin Kebbi, Bamaiyi said tree planting, one of the key components of the PROACT PROJECT, was aimed at maintaining a balance of climate, and a healthy environment.

The Governance and Influencing Coordinator, PROACT, Usman Faleye, while stressing the importance of afforestation, said more than 268,000 economic-viable trees seedings have been distributed and planted under the Project. He said the tree will provide among others, shade for the market users when grown.

Acting Chairman of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area, Alh. Abubakar Gulma who was represented by Deputy Director of Agriculture of the council, Surajo Sanda, flagged-off the campaign by commending OXFAM for its timely response to community needs and promoting a pollution-free environment. In his words “these trees will not only fight climate change but will also serve as source of fruits for the market populace”.

While performing the launch, the District Head of Gwandangaji Alh Umaru Ahmed maintained that OXFAM’s intervention in planting more trees was timely, describing it as “a welcome development”. He also promised to mobilize community dwellers to replicate the action and provide protection for the trees.

Joining the OXFAM team in the launch were: the Sarkin Kudun Gwandu and District Head of Ambursa, Alhaji Isah Haruna Rasheed, community leaders from Ambursa, Directors Administration and their counterparts from the Budget Planning from all the 21 Local Government areas of Kebbi state, vigilante members and youths.

In another development, OXFAM Officials accompanied by newsmen went on a site-visit evaluation and assessment tour. From Kola to other interior parts of the states, lead farmers and beneficiaries testified to the improvement in crop yields, attributing it to Oxfam’s training on best practices in farming.

According to Hadiza Umar, from Kola, “the PROACT project is touching lives and changing the story of many in communities”. Describing grain banks provided by OXFAM as a ‘life-saver’, Hadiza said many families were getting loans of grains and returning them after harvest.

Another beneficiary, Ahmad Muhamad Kola, while briefing newsmen said: the grain banks were a great way of ensuring food security and resilience especially during this farming season.

Over 35,000 have benefited from the PROACT project which is geared towards improving food security, nutrition and resilience of vulnerable groups in Kebbi and Adamawa states of Northern Nigeria.