On July 12th, 2025, the Environmental Care Foundation (ECF), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Adamawa State Ministry of Environment, and Savannah Climate Research Centre Yola, officially launched the Institutional Tree Planting with Nutrition Integration Project at the NDLEA Barracks, Kwanan Waya, along Numan Road in Adamawa State.
The Environmental Care Foundation (ECF), in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Adamawa Zonal Office, the Adamawa State Ministry of Environment, and the newly established Savannah Climate Research Centre (SCRC), has successfully flagged off the Institutional Tree Planting with Nutrition Integration Project. This landmark event took place at the expansive NDLEA Barracks, recently constructed through the leadership of His Excellency General MB Marwa, along Numan Road in Yola, Adamawa State.
Under the Chairmanship of Prof. Abdullahi Liman Tukur, former Vice-Chancellor of MAU Yola and now Chair of SCRC Adamawa—the first of its kind in Nigeria—this initiative marks a significant milestone in merging climate action with nutritional solutions.
NDLEA’s Commitment to Sustainability
During the event, the NDLEA Zonal Commander, Mr. Ishayaku Kwajafa, commended the timeliness of this initiative. He pledged that every personnel member within the NDLEA complex will not only plant but also nurture at least one tree seedling—a commitment aimed at fostering ownership and sustainability. A total of 600 seedlings, including species such as Black Currant, Guava, Mahogany, Mango, Neem, and German Umbrella, were distributed. Vegetable seeds were also donated by the SCRC Chairman and ECF, reinforcing the nutrition-sensitive aspect of the project.
Micro-Gardens for Enhanced Nutrition
Beyond tree planting, the initiative featured the establishment of Micro-Gardens within the NDLEA residential quarters, specifically designed to enhance household nutrition. Women within the barracks community were tasked with cultivating and maintaining these gardens, ensuring a sustainable source of vegetables for their families.
Capacity Building on Climate Action
A highlight of the event was an insightful lecture delivered by Prof. Abdullahi Liman Tukur, who provided an in-depth presentation on climate change, its impacts, and the importance of adaptive climate actions. His presentation emphasized the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, food security, and community resilience.
Broad Stakeholder Participation
The event was well attended by various partners and stakeholders including IRC, Gogoji, and other local organizations, all of whom contributed to the success of the day’s activities.
A Model for Climate-Nutrition Synergy
This collaboration stands as a practical model for integrating environmental reforestation with nutrition-sensitive interventions, addressing both ecological degradation and food insecurity in institutional settings.
Together, through partnerships like these, we are not just planting trees — we are growing sustainability, improving nutrition, and fostering climate resilience in Adamawa State and Nigeria at large.
