Expert Wants Nigerians To Plant Trees For Protection

An environment expert, Mr Moses Umekwe, has urged Nigerians to cultivate the habit of planting trees to protect the environment and prevent flooding in the country.
Umekwe gave this advice in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
According to him, the planting of trees reduces flood risk and erosion, especially in flood-prone areas.
Umekwe urged government at all levels, institutions, private sectors, groups and individuals to support the tree planting awareness campaign.
He noted that the campaign would help to educate residents on the importance and the impact of trees in any environment.
The environmentalist said that the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency had raised alarm that Nigerians should expect more flooding this year, especially in September.
According to him, floods have led to loss of lives and property in Nigeria.
“The reason for the alarm by the agency is to ensure preparedness among stakeholders and residents of flood-prone communities.
“When trees are being planted, it will help to protect the environment from flooding.
“Those residents living along the coastal regions and other danger zones should as a matter of urgency, cultivate the habit of planting and replacing of trees when they are cut down in their environment.
“The effort will go a long way to protect such flood-prone areas,’’ he said.
Umekwe said that tree planting also saves lives, adding that people needed to be committed to environmental sustainability.