A Greener Nigeria: How TGAS Foundation is Uniting Communities and Cultures

by Diyaulhaq Bin Usman

In the wake of disunity among Nigerians, particularly as politics continues to divide the nation along tribal and religious lines, there is an urgent need to bring together people of different cultures and faiths to foster unity and harness the potential for developing communities, states, and the country at large.

This need cannot be overemphasized. A foundation has risen to the challenge, making significant impacts in Nigeria, other African countries, and globally. Thalis Greenery Awareness and Support (TGAS) Foundation is a non-governmental organization that promotes environmental awareness, education, and community development in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. The foundation’s mission is to inspire a culture of sustainability that is fully aligned with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

TGAS believes in the United Nations’ goals, and its commitment to ensuring these goals come to fruition is truly remarkable. Created by a patriotic citizen of Katsina state, Mr. Salisu Badamasi, who has traveled extensively and drawn inspiration from various places and interactions with people of diverse races and religions, the foundation was motivated by his disgust with deforestation and his yearning for a greener world. This passion led to the establishment of TGAS, which has attracted the attention of many and involved professionals both within Nigeria and abroad. More than 20 professionals have joined the management team to help fast-track the missions of TGAS.

To achieve the UN Goals, the foundation has created four committees to address different societal needs. These committees include the Diversity Committee; Budget, Employment, and Procurement Committee; Publicity Committee; and Security and Children Out of School Committee. Professionals have been appointed to lead these committees, and the implementation of activities is already underway.

In a recent program aimed at sensitizing members of the Funtua community in Katsina state about the aims and objectives of TGAS, the Diversity Committee organized a discussion that brought together representatives of about six different tribes and members of various religions under one roof to embrace unity and understanding. The event was highly successful, with nearly a hundred community members participating. Representatives of different tribes and religions expressed deep appreciation for the foundation’s commitment to addressing the critical issue of divisions among Nigerians while applauding its mission of restoring trees across the country. The foundation further planted four trees at the compound of the community’s primary school, where the program was held, marking the starting point of its green revitalization mission.

TGAS is currently on a mission to support the local security outfit dedicated to protecting the community day and night by purchasing torchlights, raincoats, and boots. These citizens, who have stepped up to support the nation’s security efforts to rid society of insecurity, especially the continuous banditry in the northwestern states of Nigeria that has ravaged villages and rendered many homeless, deserve commendation, and TGAS has extended its assistance.

In addition to its local efforts, TGAS is working on expanding its reach across Nigeria and into other African nations. The foundation is partnering with other environmental and community development organizations to share best practices and collaborate on large-scale projects. These partnerships are aimed at creating a network of like-minded organizations that can work together to address common challenges, such as deforestation, climate change, and social inequality.

One of the cornerstone projects of TGAS is its educational outreach program, which targets schools and universities across Nigeria. The foundation conducts workshops and seminars on environmental sustainability, teaching students the importance of preserving natural resources and adopting eco-friendly practices. By educating the younger generation, TGAS hopes to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment, ensuring that future leaders are equipped to continue the fight for a greener world.

Looking to the future, TGAS has ambitious plans to expand its programs and reach even more communities. The foundation aims to plant millions of trees across Nigeria, create more educational programs, and continue supporting local security initiatives. By building on its successes, TGAS hopes to create a ripple effect, inspiring other organizations and individuals to take action and contribute to a more sustainable and united Nigeria.

It is hoped that TGAS Foundation will achieve many great successes shortly as it continues to give back to society through tree planting, creating avenues for dialogue among different tribes and religions, taking children off the streets and back to school, and many other initiatives. Giving back to the community is a task that all citizens must embrace to create a more habitable world.