Nigerian and Ethiopian youths have joined forces to tackle climate change, deforestation and soil degradation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) through a collaborative tree-planting exercise tagged, “Plant Africa Fraternity.”
The event was organised in Abuja on Friday under the FCT Administration-Ethiopia youths tree planting initiative themed, “Youth United for a Greener FCT: Renewing Hope through Tree Planting”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative brought together youth delegates from the Nigerian ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ethiopia’s Prosperity Party, to move pan-African diplomacy beyond conference talks into direct action.
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, explained that the Plant Africa Fraternity Initiative is an international environmental and youth diplomacy programme initiated by the government of Ethiopia.
Fasawe added that the initiative serves as the continental extension of Ethiopia’s national Green Legacy Initiative, designed to combat climate change, deforestation, and soil degradation.
She described the event as “more than an environmental activity but a symbol of Pan-African friendship, shared responsibility and common commitment to building a greater and more sustainable continent”.
She particularly said that the planting of Ethiopian indigenous trees in Abuja was a symbol of friendship and common commitment to fighting climate change and global warming.
She reiterated the commitment of the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, to expanding green spaces, combating climate change, and supporting initiatives that foster bilateral partnerships and youth empowerment.
The mandate secretary commended the youth wing of the APC and Prosperity Party of Ethiopia for their involvement in the initiative to make Abuja green again.
