OKENE, Kogi State — Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District, has launched the planting of 10,000 economic trees across the district as part of an environmental sustainability initiative aimed at improving livelihoods, promoting food security, and combating climate change.
The senator said the project, which she is personally funding, reflects her commitment to building healthier communities, strengthening local economies, and protecting the environment for future generations.
According to Akpoti-Uduaghan, the initiative involves planting economic and medicinal tree species, including mango, guava, orange, neem, moringa, and other valuable varieties that will provide long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits.
She noted that beyond enhancing food security, the trees will contribute to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, erosion control, cleaner air, and sustainable sources of income for residents.
“This initiative is my little way of aligning Nigeria with the United Nations climate change agenda under the COP framework by supporting practical, community-driven climate action that reduces environmental degradation while improving lives,” she said.
The lawmaker described tree planting as an investment in the future, urging youths, women, schools, and residents across Kogi Central to nurture the trees to ensure the success and sustainability of the project.
“A tree planted today is a promise to tomorrow,” she said, adding that the initiative belongs to the entire community and requires collective ownership.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also expressed appreciation to her mother, Mrs. Akpoti, her son Daniel, her daughter Nadia, her brother Felix, and Mrs. Kemi Oluyede for participating in the tree-planting exercise alongside members of the host communities.
She reaffirmed her commitment to promoting a greener, healthier, and more prosperous Kogi Central through community-driven environmental initiatives.
