Ayade declares July 30 public holiday for tree planting

Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has declared July 30 every year as public holiday for planting trees in a ceremony tagged: The Green Carnival.

Consequently, all schools, homes, ministries, government agencies and departments, banks, hospitals and all business premises must plant new trees beginning from this year, as it will now be an offence not to plant a tree on that day.

A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Christian Ita, quoted the governor as saying that setting aside a day for tree planting “underscores our readiness for the REDD+ and commitment to forest conservation and management.”

Ayade, who disclosed that one million trees would be planted during this year’s Green Carnival, said the exercise would also address urban deforestation.

“The event, which would take place in the 18 council areas of the state is aimed at tackling global warming, deforestation and climate change, as well as drive home our commitment to the implementation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on the Superhighway,” the statement added.