The Department of Parks and Recreation of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced planting of 6,000 trees in Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The trees would be planted in collaboration with the Rotary Club, Parks Association, Purple Hands Initiative and AstraZeneca, a pharmaceutical company.

Mr Isaiah Ukpana, the Director of Parks and Recreation, said at the unveiling of the exercise on Sunday, at the Patrick Yakowa Street, Katampe Extension, said that the measure was to keep Abuja green.

Ukpana said that tree planting exercise was part of a campaign to plant 20,000 tree in Wuye, Guzape and Katampe Districts of the FCT.

He said that the 6,000 trees would be planted along 30 streets in the district, adding that the species were carefully selected to ensure that their roots do not damage infrastructure within the green verge.

To ensure survival of the trees, the director said that the department has made arrangements to water the trees throughout the dry season.

“The environment in the district will be completely changed once we finish planting the trees in all the 30 streets.

“Tree planting is an environmentally friendly activity that every resident should imbibe and support.

“Trees give a good landmark to a community, purifies the environment, and helps to control erosion,” he said.

He urged residents to plant trees in their houses and neighbourhood, for their unquantifiable benefits.

In his remarks, the President of Rotary Club of Abuja Deluxe, Ms Brenda Max-Nduaguibe, said that the club supports FCTA’s tree planting campaign with 722 seedlings towards building a sustainable environment.

According to her, tree planting is one of Rotary Club’s seven areas of focus for 2023 as its contribution to maintaining a balanced and sustainable environment.

Similarly, the Head of AstraZeneca, Mr Stephen Awoicho, said that the company donated five hundred seedlings to support the tree planting campaign in the Katampe District.