Ezza South Embarks on 10,000 Tree Planting to Boost Economy
By Ugo Ewa
Euphemia Nwali, Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, has outlined the vision behind her administration’s massive tree-planting initiative and agricultural projects aimed at combating climate change, boosting food production, and improving economic self-reliance.
In an exclusive interaction, Nwali explained that the 10,000-tree planting initiative was conceived not only to fight erosion but also to serve long-term economic and environmental benefits.
“The reason we embarked on the 10,000-tree planting project is, first, to help control erosion. Weather forecasts keep warning us about environmental risks. If we plant trees ahead of time, we help avert such disasters,” she said.
She further explained that trees play a vital role beyond environmental protection.
“Trees serve as shade during the dry season. If we don’t plant now, in our old age we may not have shade to rest under, especially when we’re no longer strong enough to stay indoors all day,” Nwali noted.
“It also beautifies the environment and benefits the entire society in the long run.”
The project, according to her, spans across all primary and secondary schools in Ezza, where the council is distributing trees free of charge and directly supervising the planting.
“Many schools have cut down their trees without replacements. That’s why we’re giving them new ones free of charge. I was at Central School, Oneke, yesterday for the exercise and will continue the supervision across all schools.”
According to her, the trees being planted are not just ornamental, but include a variety of economic trees such as palm, mango, cashew, guava, orange, and even rubber.
“They are all economic trees, not just palm. We are planting what can benefit our people economically.”
Nwali said her administration has taken bold steps in agriculture, cultivating crops such as cassava, maize, cocoyam, yams, cucumber, pepper, and more.
“We have more than 30,000 palm seedlings already raised. If you go to Ezza South, you will see fishery projects, poultry, and a rice farm belonging to the local government. These are visible proofs of our agricultural drive.”
She stressed that every available land in Ezza South is being put to use for farming.
“I told every citizen not to leave any land empty. If you can’t farm it, give it to someone who can, and share the proceeds. No empty space should exist because I don’t want hunger in Nzaza South.”
To ensure this vision becomes a reality, the local government has distributed fertilisers, rice, and chemicals to farmers. Not just citizens, but public officials, including councillors, supervisors, SSAs, and coordinators, have all been mandated to cultivate farms.
“We are leading by example. Everyone in leadership has a farm. I will personally go round to inspect what they have done in each development centre.”
On the Economic Future of the Palm Oil Sector, with over 30,000 palm seedlings raised, Chairman Nwali said the council has both public and private planting strategies.
“Whether the council plants it directly or shares with individuals to plant, it’s still the council’s project. We've distributed to traditional rulers, town union executives, stakeholders, councillors, and taken to schools as well.”
Infrastructure Support: Road Construction. On improving access to farmlands, Hon. Nwali confirmed the construction of a five-kilometre concrete road from Mokofya and Sokara to Amego communitya route linking major farms, schools, and markets.
“This road will support agricultural harvests and market access. It’s one of our concrete road projects aimed at enhancing rural connectivity and economic activity.”
The Council Chairman believes that through tree planting, strategic agriculture, and infrastructural development, the local government can become a model of sustainability, food security, and economic growth.
