As part of activities marking the 20th anniversary of Diocese of Kubwa, Anglican Communion, it has flagged off the campaign for planting of two million trees across the Federal Capital Territory.

Speaking at the official launch of the programme, Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. Duke Akamisoko, tasked the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to take cattles off the streets of the nation’s capital.

The event which was held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Karu had as its theme, “Root for a Greener Future”.

Bishop Akamisoko said the exercise would reach its peak in March 2025 with the dedication of 250-seater hospital beds.

The cleric noted that the mission is to plant the trees across 20 Archdeaconries across FCT and the houses of members, adding that planting trees is one of the most important things they can do to contribute to the health of the planet.

This is even as he urged the FCT minister, Nyesome Wike to help take roaming cows off the streets and get them in ranches to stop them from destroying the trees planted and to ensure a cleaner environment.

Bishop Akamisoko said the vision is to cultivate environmental responsibility, securing a sustainable heritage for generations to come.

His words: “Trees have significant role in human life and culture, providing food, shelter and resources. Today we gather to commence a transformative initiative that will shape the future of our Diocese, community and planet through the planting of fruit crops and flowers. 80 per cent of the trees we shall plant will be food trees.

“Our tree planting campaign “Rooting for Greener Future” is a call to action, a commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship and the well-being of generations to come.”

According to him, the exercise will have a lasting, positive impact on the Federal Capital Territory’s environment, wildlife, and communities.

He noted that with unprecedented environmental challenges in the society today such as climate change threatening the ecosystem and economies among others, they have the power to create change by planting trees to combat them.

The diocesan bishop, however, called on other religious bodies, individuals, educational institutions, government agencies and NGOs to join the initiative by volunteering to plant trees, donate resources and spread awareness.

He tasked members to do all they can to protect the trees as no excuse would be accepted for failure to do so, adding that they will commence monitoring of the projects from January 2025 to ensure the trees are doing well.