The Yobe State Government has launched plans to plant three million trees across the state to tackle desertification, land degradation and the effects of climate change.
The initiative will also cover communities along the state’s border with Niger Republic, where desert encroachment is threatening farmlands and livelihoods.
The Deputy Governor and Chairman of the state tree-planting steering committee, Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, announced the plan in Damaturu on Wednesday.
Gubana said the campaign would begin with a pilot flag-off in Damaturu Local Government Area on August 25, while the other 16 local government areas would hold their ceremonies between August 26 and 30.
He said desertification and drought had affected agricultural land in several parts of the state, increasing pressure on available resources and posing risks to livelihoods and peaceful coexistence.
According to him, the administration considers environmental restoration a priority and will focus on tree species that can survive the state’s harsh climate and provide economic benefits.
Gubana said about 80 per cent of the required seedlings were already available in nurseries, including Neem, Moringa and Guava, while efforts were ongoing to provide the remaining quantity.
The Commissioner for Environment, Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, said the programme would focus on ensuring that the trees survive after planting rather than limiting the exercise to ceremonial activities.
He identified community ownership, youth participation, regular monitoring and proper maintenance as key to the success of the campaign.
Karasuwa also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, community groups and other stakeholders to support the programme and protect the trees after planting.
The state government expects the initiative to restore degraded land, protect farmlands and strengthen Yobe’s response to the growing impact of climate change.