Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has officially launched the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign in Damaturu, reaffirming his commitment to tackling desertification and rehabilitating degraded land within the state.
During the launch event, Governor Buni, who named this year’s campaign “Buni’s Initiative for Desert Reclamation and Restoration of Degraded Lands,” emphasized its significance.
He also announced the introduction of a tree planting competition involving emirates, residential estates, and schools throughout Yobe State, with appealing rewards planned for the winners.
The governor explained that these initiatives aim to safeguard the environment and lessen the effects of climate change on local communities.
He highlighted that since 2020, his administration has made substantial investments in environmental restoration.
This includes the creation of gum Arabic plantations across all three senatorial districts, the planting of trees along roadsides, the development of shelter belts within housing estates and large schools, as well as the deployment of six weather monitoring stations across the state.
“As part of a deliberate policy, we have consistently raised and planted millions of various tree seedlings across Yobe State to prevent the Sahara Desert from advancing southwards into our territory,” the governor stated.
He further detailed that the government has established 100 hectares of gum Arabic plantations in each of the three senatorial districts: Dusuwa in Fune, Kalgi in Yunusari, and Karasuwa-Galu in Karasuwa Local Government Areas.
Governor Buni further highlighted that collaborations with the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Great Green Wall initiative have enabled Yobe State to benefit from extensive afforestation programs.
He also announced that Yobe would participate in the upcoming initiative to plant 50 million date palm seedlings across the frontline states.
To encourage deeper community engagement, the Governor instructed his Deputy, Idi Barde Gubana,who also chairs the Steering Committee on the tree planting campaign, to organize a tree planting competition targeting emirates and schools.
This initiative aims to foster a sense of environmental responsibility and motivate young people to actively contribute to climate action.
“Our battle against desertification cannot be won without the full participation of our communities. This competition is designed to encourage traditional institutions and schools to lead by example and drive the change we seek,” Governor Buni emphasized.
He urged residents to take advantage of the rainy season by planting more trees in their homes, schools, and farmlands.
The government will continue to supply seedlings and provide technical assistance.
Governor Buni also expressed appreciation to international partners for their ongoing support, reaffirming Yobe State’s dedication to following global best practices in climate action and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, the State Commissioner for Environment, praised the Governor’s leadership and informed residents that seedlings are available for planting at government nurseries located in Damaturu, Potiskum, and Garin-Alkali.
