Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has commenced a large-scale tree planting initiative aimed at boosting agriculture, improving food security, and preserving the environment.
Over the weekend, the council flagged off the planting of 10,000 economic trees and 30,000 palm seedlings across schools, communities, and farmlands within the LGA.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, the Council Chairman, Mrs. Nwali, explained that the project will help combat erosion, beautify the area, and stimulate local economic growth through agro-based development.
She revealed that the trees—comprising palm, mango, cashew, orange, rubber, guava, and other varieties—are being planted in all primary and secondary schools, with the local government supplying them free of charge and overseeing their planting.
Additionally, the 30,000 palm seedlings are being distributed to traditional rulers, town union leaders, councillors, and residents for both private and communal farming.
“We planted these trees to protect our environment, strengthen food production, and secure the economic future of Ezza South,” Nwali said.
Highlighting the council’s agricultural progress, the chairman noted that Ezza South has ventured into large-scale cultivation of cassava, maize, yam, cocoyam, cucumber, rice, and pepper, while also supporting poultry and fishery farming.
She stressed that all government officials in the LGA—including councillors, supervisors, and appointees—are mandated to maintain personal farms to ensure no land is left idle.
“If you can’t farm it yourself, get someone else to cultivate it and share the produce. We must prevent hunger at all costs,” she added.
To further encourage farming, the council has distributed fertilisers, rice seedlings, and agro-chemicals to farmers. In addition, construction has begun on a 5-kilometre concrete road linking farms, markets, and schools—an infrastructure project expected to improve the transportation of goods and boost rural commerce.
Mrs. Nwali reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to making food affordable and readily available, citing thriving local markets such as Eke Market as proof of the council’s agricultural achievements.
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