By Barikui Felix
In commemoration of the World Environment Day 2025, Journalists for Sustainable Development Initiative (JSDI) has taken climate advocacy to Kaa Community in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State, training students on tree planting and climate awareness.
The training, which formed part of JSDI’s Annual Tree Planting Awareness Campaign, was simultaneously held at Government Secondary School Kaa and Community Primary School Kaa.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Parry Saroh Benson, Executive Director of JSDI, emphasized the importance of tree planting in combating climate change, providing shelter and food, and protecting against environmental degradation. He also urged community members to desist from indiscriminate tree felling.
“Kaa is a coastal community vulnerable to climate change, and now is the time to build natural defenses like tree cover,” Benson said. “We’re here not just to plant trees, but to raise a new generation of climate ambassadors. When children plant a tree, they tend to protect it. That’s how climate consciousness begins.”
He explained that the students were trained to become climate ambassadors — a title they now hold — with the goal of promoting sustainable practices in their schools and communities.
Representing HRH Mene Benjamin Kii PhD, Menebua Ka Babbe IV, Chief Nuator Nwineedam thanked JSDI for the initiative and assured that the community would protect the trees planted.
“We welcome this awareness program. As a coastal community exposed to wind and storm damage, trees help protect our homes,” he said. “We’ll ensure the trees are not touched. In fact, anyone caught cutting a tree will be made to plant two in return. That’s how serious we are.”
Also speaking, Dee-ue Pyazuguru, Vice Principal of Government Secondary School Kaa, pledged the school’s support in maintaining the trees and furthering the advocacy.
“As a biology teacher, I already teach students the importance of trees. Now, they have practical experience, and we are ready to sustain this initiative,” he said.
Rev. Precious Adoo, Headmaster of Community Primary School Kaa, also expressed his gratitude, noting that the new trees would complement those previously planted and enhance the school environment.
“We’re grateful that our children will benefit from this. The trees will provide shade, food, and protection. We will watch over them and ensure they flourish,” he said.
On behalf of the youths, Philip Saro-Bakpo commended JSDI for the initiative and urged students to apply the knowledge gained for the benefit of the entire community.
“Let’s make sure we don’t stop here. What you’ve learned today must be put into practice. The future of our environment depends on it,” he said.
