Climate change: YMCA plants 13,500 oil palm seedlings across 9 communities in Nasarawa

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By Linus Ogbu, Lafia

The Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) an NGO, has planted 13,500 oil palm seedlings in nine communities across five local government areas (LGs) of Nasarawa State to combat impacts of climate change.

Mr Ango Adamu, Executive Secretary, YMCA Mada Hills, disclosed this during the establishment of oil palm community nursery in Kpomo of Buhar Community in Akwanga Local Government Area on Wednesday.

According to him, the establishment of oil palm community nursery, is part of YMCA climate change support to increase community resilience on tree planting to combat climate change impacts.

Adamu explained that the YMCA is implementing five years African Activists for Climate Justice (ACCJ) Project, supported by Oxfam to build locally led adaptation and resilience to mitigate impacts of climate change on communities in Nasarawa state.

He explained further that the first round of the project was carried out in five LGAs of Akwanga, Kokona, Nassarawa Eggon, Lafia and Obi where 1500 oil palm seedlings were plant in each of the LGA.

“We are currently in Kpomo village in Buhar Community of Akwanga LGA, as part of continuation to establish oil palm community nursery that we started this year.

“We started the second round in Gidan Mai akuya in Lafia LGA, thereafter, we moved to Nkubi in Nassarawa Eggon, Gidigidi in Kokona, and today we are rounding off in Kpomo village of Buhar Community in Akwanga.

“In each of this community, we planted 1500 oil palm seedlings, so far, a total of 13, 500 seedlings have been planted in 9 communities in Nasarawa state this year,” he said.

The Executive Secretary said the improved oil palm seedlings were purchased from Nigeria Institute for Oil Palm Research in Edo State, noting that the benefiting communities would transplant the seedlings by June next year.

“We are particularly interested in oil palm trees because of its economic benefits and longevity, it is a very sustainable way that people can plant these kind of trees and last long.

“And so, we feel that if these people are no longer alive their children will succeed them and take over the oil palm trees,” he said.

He enjoined the benefiting Community, Kpomo to take ownership of the project by fencing the nursery to prevent animals from destroying the seedlings.

On his part, Mr Safianu Isa, Chairman of Akwanga LGA, represented by Supervisory Councilor for Agriculture, Jerry Ibrahim, commended the YMCA and partners’ efforts toward mitigating climate change impacts in Nasarawa state.

Also speaking on behalf of the good people of Kpomo village, Mr
Ali Adu’a, Chief of Buhar community thanked YMCA and partners for siting the project in his community, while calling on other NGOs and government to support such noble course.