By Sani Idris Abdulrahman 

The people of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna state were in high spirits on Thursday, as Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative rounded off the first phase of its large-scale tree planting campaign, aimed at tackling climate change and promoting a greener environment.

The closing event took place at the palace of the Esu Chikun, Malam Ishaku Yari (Sa Gbagyi II), where 1,300 forest trees and 700 fruit trees were distributed to public institutions and households across the LGA.

The campaign, supported by the Nigeria Conservation Foundation and implemented by Bridge That Gap, a member of the Nigeria Climate Justice Alliance (NCJA), was part of a broader goal to plant 5,000 trees across the local government.

Fruit trees shared included cashew, guava, date palm, pomegranate, palm, orange, and soursop, while forest trees comprised species such as teak, eucalyptus, and gmelina.

Welcoming the team at the palace, the Esu Chikun praised the initiative, noting the role of a green environment in sustaining public health and climate resilience.

“Green environment goes beyond aesthetics, it promotes sustainable living and well-being,” he said.

The royal father also requested that his palace surroundings be among the first to receive the forest trees, saying: “I want as many trees as possible planted here. Let this street provide shade for everyone.”

Environmental advocate and member of the Network of Civil Societies in Environment (NCSE), Lydia Saleh, highlighted the significance of the project in addressing global warming and encouraging civic responsibility.

“These trees symbolize our duty to nature. Their benefits – from oxygen to shade, aesthetics, and even medicine – are a testament to why this work is vital,” she said.

Local residents expressed gratitude and excitement.

Mrs. Rose Otitoyomi, a beneficiary, described it as a dream come true. “I have been looking for something to plant on my land. Now I have palm trees that will one day provide palm kernel for my soup, broom for my house, and even rafters for baskets.”

Also speaking, Shadrach Hassan, the Wambai Rido Gbagyi, applauded Bridge That Gap for the environmental intervention.

“This project has inspired me to begin planting trees. They are life-giving. I plan to promote this message in churches, mosques, and across my networks,” he pledged.

The forest trees were distributed to schools, churches, hospitals, and community fields, while fruit trees were allocated to individual households – marking a hopeful start to a greener Chikun.