From HASSAN JIRGI, Damaturu
Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni has directed traditional rulers and security agencies to take full control of the indiscriminate cutting of trees in their respective domains, warning that defaulters would be dealt with in line with the law.
Buni made the appeal during the flag-off of the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Damaturu, with a strong warning against indiscriminate cutting of trees.
He stressed that the state government will not tolerate practices that worsen desert encroachment and environmental degradation.
He also urged traditional rulers, community leaders, schools and households to take advantage of the rainy season to expand the tree planting compaign.
According to him, with the “Initiative in Desert Reclamation and Restoration of Degraded Lands,” the governor has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fight desertification, restore degraded lands and mitigate the effects of climate change.
He recalled that since 2020, Yobe State government has raised and planted millions of assorted tree seedlings to halt the southward encroachment of the Sahara Desert.
He also highlighted major interventions, including the establishment of 100-hectare gum Arabic plantations in each senatorial district, setting up of six weather monitoring stations, distribution of fuel-efficient stoves and gas cookers, and multiple afforestation projects in partnership with the World Bank, African Development Bank and the Great Green Wall initiative.
In a new directive aimed at deepening community participation, Governor Buni ordered the State Standing Committee on Climate Change to institute annual awards and prizes for communities, schools and individuals who plant and nurture trees across the state.
He stressed that environmental protection is a collective responsibility in line with global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs.
Buni also expressed appreciation to development partners, including the World Bank, African Development Bank and the Great Green Wall for their continuous support in addressing environmental challenges in Yobe State.
