BATN Foundation Partners NCF to Advocate Environmental Sustainability

Raheem Akingbolu

Moved by the need to combat deforestation and promote environmental conservation, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), in partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), has initiated a transformative afforestation and natural resource management initiative to rejuvenate the Ajingi Forest Reserve located in Kano State, Northwest Nigeria.

At the core of this initiative, lie a significant milestone with the flag-off of 5,000 tree plantings in the Ajingi Forest Reserve, Kano with the overall goal to elevate this number to 50,000 trees by 2027. British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation, as part of its broader community-based initiatives, supports afforestation, biodiversity conservation, environmental protection, and the prevention of deforestation and habitat fragmentation. Beyond merely replenishing the forest cover, the planting of these trees also aims to sequester carbon dioxide, a significant contributor to global climate action.

The benefits of this endeavor extend beyond carbon capture, as the restored forest will be enhancing biodiversity and promoting ecological equilibrium. The theme of “Creating a Greener World for a Sustainable Future” underscores the goal for a cleaner, more eco-friendly world. Our commitment extends beyond mere tree planting; it emphasizes tree planting with a purpose. Each tree cultivates a symbol of dedication to a sustainable climate.

Odiri Erewa-Meggison, Board Director, BATN Foundation, expressed the project’s significance, emphasizing that it extends beyond the mere planting of 5,000 trees. She highlighted the continuous dedication, education, and community involvement required for the journey toward environmental restoration and sustainability. In the past decades, BATNF accomplished a remarkable feat by planting a total of 503,000 trees across Nigeria’s diverse geopolitical zones. Today, we gather to mark the flag-off of the completion of 5,000 trees already planted in Ajingi, Kano, with a goal of planting 50,000 trees by 2027, continuing our commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.

She also state that “We are in a world grappling with the grave challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and deforestation, which threaten the very ecosystem that sustains us. We recognize that climate change is a global crisis, and we must take local actions to mitigate its adverse effects. By breathing new life into the forest, we are not just restoring its beauty but also enhancing local biodiversity and contributing to a more ecologically balanced environment.

Each tree we have planted is not just a number; it is our commitment to empowering our rural and farming communities for a sustainable future.” NAME said.
The Director-General, NCF, Joseph Onoja, commended British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation for the partnership, saying the partnership couldn’t have come at a better time than this when the world is being confronted with the adverse effects of climate change.

In his words, “It is our collective responsibility to cultivate a greener world for a sustainable future, and we are committed to doing so whenever the opportunity arises. We aim to plant the right trees in the right places at the right time.”
This partnership between British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) and NCF symbolizes a critical step in addressing the global environmental challenges we face, uniting efforts for the betterment of our planet and the communities it supports.