The Christian Rural and Urban Development Association of Nigeria (CRUDAN), supported by Brot fur die Welt (Bread for the World) from Germany, marked the 2024 World Environment Day in Jos over the weekend by distributing more than 300 diverse resilience trees to local residents.
During a brief ceremony, CRUDAN’s Executive Director, Joseph Gyandi, represented by CRUDAN’s Director of Programme, Agbo Boniface, emphasized the urgent need to address deforestation and its adverse effects on the environment.
Gyandi stressed the importance of nurturing and replenishing the environment, echoing the theme of the year, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
He highlighted CRUDAN’s commitment to fostering a healthier relationship between humanity and the environment, citing their initiative to provide free tree seedlings to individuals willing to adopt and care for trees.
This initiative aims to combat climate change and promote a prosperous living environment. CRUDAN plans to monitor the progress of the trees and offer support to beneficiaries as needed.
Various stakeholders, including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), development partners such as Mennonite Central Committee and GIZ, member organizations of CRUDAN, traditional leaders, community representatives, and individuals, attended the event and benefited from the tree distribution.
The State Director of NOA, Mrs. Kaneng Pam-Hworo, emphasized the importance of tree planting in combating desertification and restoring degraded lands.
“God wants man to tend the environment and this is what we are doing. We are giving out over 300 trees and the significance not only in the activity but what happens next in ensuring that the issue of climate change is addressed.”
She urged Nigerians to replace trees lost to deforestation and to cease harmful practices that degrade the environment.
“We must be intentional in the way we live, adopt and nurture trees so that we can restore our climate, habitation and live in peace.”
The Programme Manager of the Mennonite Central Committee, Kitshiwe William, expressed gratitude for CRUDAN’s initiative, underscoring the vital role of tree adoption and nurturing in mitigating climate change and promoting peaceful coexistence.
