The Yobe State Government has flagged off the 2026 Tree Planting Campaign with a target of planting three million tree seedlings across the state as part of renewed efforts to combat desertification, restore degraded ecosystems and promote environmental sustainability.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Damaturu, the state capital, was performed on behalf of Governor, Mai Mala Buni by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana (Wazirin Fune), who is also the Chairman of the Standing Committee on Tree Planting Campaign in the state.
A statement issued by the Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Hussaini Mai Suleh said the campaign, with the theme “One Person, One Tree for a Greener and Sustainable Yobe,” brought together government officials, environmentalists, community members and other stakeholders.
Governor Buni said the annual tree planting exercise remained a critical component of the state’s environmental protection efforts, stressing that it was aimed at sensitising citizens on the importance of trees in restoring degraded landscapes, improving livelihoods and food security, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
He disclosed that the state government had raised three million seedlings of assorted tree species suited to Yobe’s climatic conditions, including baobab, mahogany, Parkia, tamarind, Mansonia and moringa, among others.
The Governor expressed concern over the increasing degradation of the environment, particularly the indiscriminate felling of trees without replacement, which he said was contributing to the drying of the environment.
He also disclosed that the state government had established six weather monitoring stations in Damaturu, Gashua, Machina, Yunusari, Jakusko and Fika Local Government Areas to strengthen weather and climate monitoring across the state.
Governor Buni appreciated development partners for their continued support in the state’s efforts to combat desertification and environmental degradation.
He directed local government chairmen to undertake the tree planting campaign in their respective areas from August 26 to 30, 2026, noting that more than 2,000 seedlings had been provided to each local government to facilitate the exercise.
He urged citizens and communities to take ownership of the trees planted and nurture them to maturity, stressing that their survival was essential to achieving the objectives of the campaign and justifying the resources committed by the government.
In his keynote address, the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, appealed to communities, households, schools and civil society organisations to regard tree planting as more than a ceremonial exercise.
He called on stakeholders to actively participate in the campaign and ensure that the trees planted were properly nurtured and protected.
