WORLD BEE DAY: FCT ACReSAL Distributes 3,000 Pollinator-Friendly Tree Seedlings to Boost Ecosystem Health

In commemoration of the 2025 World Bee Day, the Federal Capital Territory Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, distributed 3,000 assorted pollinator-friendly tree seedlings to 15 bee farmer cooperative groups and members of the public.

The event, themed “Bee Inspired to Nourish Us All”, was held in line with the global initiative championed by the United Nations to raise awareness about the vital role of bees in sustaining biodiversity and food security and to encourage concrete actions to protect their habitat.

Delivering the keynote address, Mandate Secretary of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Comrade Abdullahi Suleiman Ango, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ann Ijeoma, highlighted the crucial role bees play in pollinating food crops and supporting farmers’ livelihoods. The Secretariat, he noted has been supporting bee farmers through capacity-building workshops and distribution of modern beekeeping equipment.

He also thanked the FCT ACReSAL Project for their support in organizing the event and their efforts in forest restoration, which will enhance the habitability of forests for bees.

Reflecting on the symbolic timing of the celebration, Ango added, “Although the original date coincided with the second anniversary of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and was respectfully rescheduled, today’s gathering reflects this Administration’s deep commitment to protecting our environment.”

In her welcome remarks, Mrs. Caroline Opara, Project Coordinator of FCT ACReSAL, emphasized the value of bees in pollination and ecological balance. She noted that the selected tree species to be distributed are proven to attract and sustain bee populations, boosting honey production and biodiversity conservation. “Bees embody the Project’s core vision of sustaining non-timber forest products that preserve biodiversity while empowering communities”, she noted.

She also revealed that the project plans to distribute demo kits for beekeeping to selected schools during their outreach programme, to inspire and educate the younger generation.

In a thought-provoking paper presentation titled “Busy Bees, the Invisible Workforce Behind Our Food”, environmental expert Mrs. Blossom Nwabor who presented on behalf of Oghale Ruth Erezih, Drought and Desertification Control Specialist. From the ACReSAL Federal Project management Unit FPMU highlighted the vital role bees play in global food systems. She cautioned that the ongoing degradation of forest resources could lead to the disappearance of bee populations, posing a significant threat to food security.

The event featured a panel discussion with environmental experts, beekeepers, and policymakers, who deliberated on strategies for bee conservation and sustainable beekeeping practices. The National Parks Service (NPS), represented by Assistant Conservator General, Oladipo Ojo Cornelius, pledged its support for the initiative, highlighting the service’s efforts to preserve Nigeria’s forest resources.

Goodwill messages were delivered by Prof. Abideen Alarape, Head of the Department of Forest and Bio-resource at the University of Abuja; Mrs. Obianuju Okoh, an independent apiculturist; and Okunuga Matthew Olufemi, representing the Director of Forestry at the Federal Ministry of Environment.

Students of Government Secondary School, Garki, delivered a poetic rendition celebrating the significance of bees, while members of the FCT Bee Farmers Association performed a short drama illustrating the challenges and benefits of beekeeping.