By Joseph Kingston, Calabar
As different organizations, groups and individuals continue to take steps against the destructive effects of climate change, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Calabar Nigeria North Stake, weekend embarked on tree planting to mitigate the phenomenon.
Orient Daily reports that the Church planted about 500 different species of tree seedlings including Temilia, Poliapia (Masquerade) along the Parliamentary Road Extension, Marian Boulevard, Goodluck Jonathan By-pass, up to the Destination Calabar Roundabouts.
Flagging off the exercise, President, Calabar Nigeria North Stake, President Joseph Akwaowo, said the tree planting exercise was adopted by the Planning Committee and the Communication Council as a strategic option to demonstrate commitment to the environment and community where the church situates.
He commended the Ministry of Environment and the State Forestry Commission for providing trucks, tree seedlings and for mapping out the area.
Leaders and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Calabar Nigeria North Stake, during their tree planting exercise in Calabar.
“The scriptures admonished to cause our light to shine before men so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in Heaven. This is what we are doing,” he stated, noting that the exercise provided an opportunity for members to give time, service and sacrifice.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the State Forestry Commission, Chief Tony Udiandeye said the project was in line with Governor Ben Ayade effort in the afforestation and beautification of the State.
Represented by the Director, Environment and Afforestation, Mr Daniel Adado, the Commission Chairman said, “with increasing global warming and the COVID-19 pandemic, tree planting by the Church is timely.”
He advised that seedlings planted so far should be monitored to and nurtured to trees and commended the Calabar Nigeria North Stake of the Church for its choice of trees.
The Project, it was learnt, is an annual event, undertaken throughout West Africa as a way of proferring solution to many challenges affecting the environment, and was also in observance of the 15th All Africa Service Project.