The Federal University Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched the Green Rising Campaign with the planting of 1,000 tree seedlings to promote youth participation in climate action and environmental sustainability.
The campaign was inaugurated on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, bringing together representatives of the university, government agencies and environmental organisations.
Speaking at the event, the Vice-Chancellor of FUBK, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, said the initiative reflects the university’s continued commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
He explained that the campaign is being implemented in partnership with the Kebbi State Ministry of Environment and the Kebbi State chapter of the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES).
He added that the Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, Go Green Foundation and the Students Union Government were also involved in the initiative.
Zaiyan-Umar noted that the Green Rising Campaign complements the university’s existing afforestation efforts, disclosing that FUBK had planted more than 12,000 trees and established a tree nursery since 2018.
He directed relevant university departments to ensure that the newly planted seedlings are properly maintained, monitored and protected to improve their survival and long-term environmental impact.
The vice-chancellor emphasised the importance of preserving the trees for the benefit of future generations, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to strengthening its collaboration with UNICEF and other partners on environmental sustainability initiatives.
Also speaking, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Facilitator for Kebbi, Toyin Adisa, said the Green Rising Campaign was designed to motivate and equip young people to take the lead in climate action through tree planting and responsible environmental management.
Adisa commended the university for supporting the initiative and expressed confidence that the institution would sustain the campaign and ensure the planted seedlings are properly managed.
Similarly, the Director of Environment at the Kebbi State Ministry of Environment, Dantani Sarki, urged the university to prioritise the continuous monitoring and proper maintenance of the seedlings to ensure they survive and provide lasting environmental benefits.
The Green Rising Campaign is expected to further promote environmental awareness among young people while encouraging practical community-based actions to address climate change, deforestation and other environmental challenges.
