Emir kicks off tree planting project by ancient Zaria walls

The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, has started a big tree-planting project along parts of Zaria’s ancient city walls. This effort blends culture, environment, and action for the earth.

The event happened on Monday. It marked the end of the Women Empowerment and Climate Resilience Initiative (WECRI). This environmental project was carried out by the civil society group, Bridge That Gap Hope for Africa Initiative (BTG).

With support from the Partnership for Agile Governance and Climate Engagement (PACE), BTG has planted 6,000 trees for the WECRI project. They planted 2,000 trees each in Chikun, Zangon Kataf, and Zaria local government areas in Kaduna State.

Mr. Bamalli planted the first tree along the famous city walls. These walls are linked to the legendary 16th-century warrior, Queen Amina.

While speaking to guests and community leaders at the palace, the Emir praised the BTG team for their dedication to the Zazzau Emirate.

"Thank you very much for finding time to come again and to support the Emirate through tree planting. This is remarkable and will help address the issue of soil degradation in our environment," he said.

He highlighted the need for land reclamation. Mr. Bamalli pointed out that the rainy season is a good time for planting. It gives the saplings the best chance to grow.

"We are grateful to you and equally happy that you have come during this period, the rainy season," he added.

Key members of the Zazzau Traditional Council were present, including the district head of "Birni da Kewaye", Sambo Idris, who also planted a tree.

After the inauguration, the BTG team and community volunteers shared the remaining seedlings to chosen planting sites across Zaria.

In his speech, BTG Programme Officer Zinta Akpoko said the project aims to promote environmental sustainability. He noted the project also helps protect and restore parts of the ancient city walls affected by erosion and encroachment.

He explained that creating living green barriers along the historic walls targets long-term environmental health while protecting one of Northern Nigeria’s key historical sites.

He mentioned that over time, large parts of the ancient mud walls have faced serious damage due to soil erosion and human activity.

"The tree-planting exercise represents not only an environmental intervention but also a step towards preserving Zaria’s historical heritage while promoting community participation in climate resilience.

"As the trees grow, they will provide extra cover around the historic structure.

"Besides their ecological role, the growing trees will act as living markers that celebrate Zaria’s rich cultural heritage for future generations," he said.

Akpoko highlighted the role of traditional leaders in climate action. He called the Emir’s involvement a key part of making the project last.

"We could not ask for a stronger endorsement than the Emir planting the first tree himself and charging residents to protect it.

"Trees survive when communities own them, and in Zaria, the palace has just made that ownership official," he added.

The programme officer said this tree planting marks the end of WECRI. This project was designed to help communities adapt to climate change and promote environmental health.

He noted the project also included workshops for grassroots women in Kaduna State, to help them learn how to deal with climate-related issues.

"For BTG, finishing the initiative in Zaria shows how strong partnerships between traditional leaders, civil groups, and local communities can tackle urgent environmental problems," he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that earlier, BTG named the Emir of Zazzau as a "Climate Ambassador" for his strong support for local environmental solutions.