Residents of Jalingo, the Taraba state capital, have commended the state government for its ongoing massive tree-planting exercise aimed at transforming the city into a greener and healthier environment.

The initiative, tagged “Operation Green Jalingo,” is being implemented by the Taraba State Environmental Sanitation Agency (TSESA), under the leadership of its Chairman, Iliya Kefas.

The agency said the project was designed to address environmental degradation, improve the aesthetic appearance of the capital and help mitigate the effects of climate change.

The exercise, as noticed by The Guardian, is being carried out along major roads and strategic locations, including Hamaruwa Way, Barde Way, T.Y. Danjuma House Road through the State House of Assembly, Roadblock–ATC Road, Palace Way and the TSTC Dua Carriage road, among others.

TSESA said an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 trees had so far been planted, with the cost of each tree put between N2,000 and N5,000.

Residents who spoke with our correspondent expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly transform the appearance and atmosphere of Jalingo as the trees mature.

An environmentalist, Ezekiel Amadu, described trees as essential to a healthy environment, noting that they provide shade and contribute to a more conducive atmosphere for residents.

“Trees are very good in any environment. Apart from providing shade, trees also make the environment conducive and create a good atmosphere for living,” Amadu said.

He commended the state government for investing in the project and urged residents to support efforts aimed at improving the environmental condition of the state capital.

Another resident, Joshua Ayagwa, said the initiative had provided Jalingo with an opportunity to achieve the green outlook associated with some major cities outside the state.

“We only travel out to see other cities looking very green. Now, we have the same experience here in Jalingo. I believe if the trees are well taken care of, their impact would be felt in the next few years,” he said.

Speaking on the initiative, TSESA Chairman, Iliya Kefas, said the project was inspired by Governor Agbu Kefas’ recent launch of the Taraba State Climate Change Policy and Action Plan.

According to him, the agency quickly keyed into the governor’s initiative to complement the administration’s efforts to make Taraba greener and strengthen the state’s response to climate change.

“The governor of Taraba state, Dr. Agbu Kefas, recently launched the Taraba State Climate Change Policy and called for action plans. We quickly keyed into the initiative to complement the governor’s efforts to green Taraba and avoid the effects of climate change,” Kefas said.

Kefas urged residents of Jalingo to protect the newly planted trees and prevent their destruction, stressing that their survival would provide long-term benefits to both the environment and the people.

He called on residents to take ownership of the trees and support the government’s efforts to create a greener, healthier and more environmentally sustainable Jalingo.