…targets 50 million trees in emirates, schools, others.

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has flagged off the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Damaturu with a renewed pledge to combat desertification and restore degraded lands in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, Buni who described this year’s campaign, tagged “Buni’s Initiative in Desert Reclamation and Restoration of Degraded Lands,” as apt, also directed the introduction of a tree planting contest for emirates, estates and schools across the state, with attractive prizes set aside for winners.

The governor said the measures were meant to protect the environment and reduce the impact of climate change on communities.

Buni, recalled that since 2020, his administration has invested heavily in environmental restoration. These efforts include the establishment of gum Arabic plantations in all three senatorial districts, roadside plantations, shelterbelts in housing estates and mega schools, as well as the installation of six weather monitoring stations across the state.

“As a deliberate policy, we have continuously raised and planted millions of assorted tree seedlings across the State to checkmate the southward movement of the Sahara desert into the State.

“In this vein, the government has established 100 hectares of gum Arabic plantations in each of the three Senatorial Districts of the State namely; Dusuwa in Fune, Kalgi in Yunusari and Karasuwa-Galu in Karasuwa Local Government Areas respectively,” the Governor stated.

Buni, further explained that partnerships with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Great Green Wall have enabled Yobe to benefit from large-scale afforestation programmes.

He added that the state would also partake in the planned planting of 50 million date palm seedlings across frontline states.

To deepen grassroots involvement, the Governor directed his Deputy, Idi Barde Gubana who is also the Chairman Steering Committee on the tree planting to organize a tree planting competition targeting emirates and schools geared towards promoting environmental ownership and encouraging young people to play active roles in climate action.

“Our fight against desertification will not succeed without the active involvement of our communities. This contest is meant to inspire both traditional institutions and schools to lead by example and drive the change we desire.”Buni urged.

Buni urged residents to seize the rainy season as an opportunity to plant more trees in homes, schools, and farmlands, assuring that government would continue to provide seedlings and technical support expressing gratitude to international partners for their continued collaboration, reaffirming Yobe’s commitment to align with global best practices in climate action and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, the state Commissioner for Environment while commending the Governor’s leadership, noted that residents can access seedlings for planting at government nurseries in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Garin-Alkali.