Nigeria and Ethiopia on Friday strengthened their bilateral ties as youths from the ruling parties of both countries embarked on a joint tree-planting exercise in Abuja.
The initiative, tagged “Plant Africa Fraternity,” brought together Nigerian and Ethiopian youths in a practical demonstration of growing political, diplomatic and pan-African cooperation between the two countries.
The APC National Youth Leader, Dayo Israel, said the exercise marked the beginning of a broader bilateral engagement between the youth wings of the ruling parties in Nigeria and Ethiopia.
He said: “Africa’s unity cannot remain an aspiration expressed only at conferences. It must become a living relationship among our people, especially among the young.”
Israel said the challenges confronting Africa, including climate change, insecurity, unemployment, poverty and irregular migration, cut across national boundaries and required collective action.
“Every tree we plant today is more than an environmental gesture. It is a symbol of friendship between Nigeria and Ethiopia, a commitment to the future of Africa, and a reminder that the seed we plant together today can provide shade, opportunities and hope for generations unborn,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Minister Counsellor for Political Affairs in Nigeria, Misgna Teklu Abrha, said his country had planted more than 48 billion trees since the launch of its Green Legacy Initiative in 2019.
Abrha, who represented Ethiopia’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, said Ethiopia initially set a target of planting 20 billion trees within four years but had surpassed it and was now working towards 50 billion trees by 2030.
“Our plan was to plant 20 billion trees within four years. But now we reached more than 48 billion,” he said.
The FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, assured that the FCT Administration would ensure the newly planted seedlings were properly nurtured.
She said the planting of Ethiopian indigenous trees in Abuja represented the growing friendship between both countries and their shared commitment to tackling climate change.
“It is not by talking. It is not by giving speeches. It begins when institutions, communities, individuals and youth leaders come together and take practical action,” Fasawe said.
