Our Reporter, Mr. Ibrahim El-Tafseer has conducted this interview with Abubakar Abdulmusawwir, founder of Make Yobe Green and Safe (MYGS), to discuss how the organization is addressing environmental challenges while promoting peace and economic empowerment in Yobe State.
Neptune Prime: Thank you for speaking with us. Can you tell us what inspired the creation of Make Yobe Green and Safe (MYGS)?
Abubakar Abdulmusawwir: Thank you for having me. MYGS was born out of a deep concern for the challenges facing our communities in Yobe State; ranging from environmental degradation to insecurity and poverty. I realized that many of these problems are interconnected. If we can address environmental issues while creating economic opportunities, we can also reduce vulnerability to crime and insurgency. That realization inspired the establishment of MYGS in 2020.
Neptune Prime: Your organization combines environmental sustainability with peacebuilding. How does that work in practice?
Abdulmusawwir: It’s about creating alternatives. Many young people are vulnerable because they lack opportunities. Through our programs, like recycling, tree planting and green education, we engage them productively. We also teach peace studies and community values. When people are meaningfully engaged and earning a living, they are less likely to be drawn into violence or criminal activities.
Neptune Prime: One of your notable initiatives is plastic recycling. Can you shed more light on that?
Abdulmusawwir: Certainly. We have established collection and recycling systems where plastic waste is gathered, processed and sold. What was once seen as waste is now a resource. We train community members, especially youths and women, on how to collect and recycle plastics and even make money from it. This not only cleans the environment but also puts money in people’s pockets.
Neptune Prime: Beyond recycling, what other programs does MYGS run?
Abdulmusawwir: We are involved in tree planting campaigns, environmental awareness programs and green education in schools and communities. We are also working on sustainable energy initiatives, including solar adaptation, to help address energy challenges in the region. All our efforts are geared toward building resilience and improving livelihoods.
Neptune Prime: What impact have these initiatives had so far?
Abdulmusawwir: We have seen encouraging results. Communities are becoming more aware of environmental issues and more people are participating in recycling and tree planting. Importantly, some individuals who were previously unemployed are now earning a living through our programs. It’s a gradual process, but the change is visible.
Neptune Prime: What are the major challenges you face as an organization?
Abdulmusawwir: Like many grassroots organizations, funding and visibility are major challenges. We have the ideas and the commitment, but scaling up requires more support. We also need partnerships with government agencies, private sector actors and development organizations to expand our reach.
Neptune Prime: What kind of support are you seeking from stakeholders and the public?
Abdulmusawwir: We are calling for collaboration and investment in what we are doing. Support can come in many forms; funding, technical assistance or partnerships. We also encourage the public to participate in our programs and support our initiatives. Together, we can achieve more.
Neptune Prime: Finally, what is your vision for MYGS in the coming years?
Abdulmusawwir: Our vision is to expand our programs across more communities in Yobe State and beyond. We want to create more green jobs, strengthen peacebuilding efforts, and contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability. Ultimately, we aim to build a future where communities are both economically empowered and environmentally responsible.
Neptune Prime: Thank you for your time.
Abubakar Abdulmusawwir: Thank you very much. To learn more about our activities, please visit Make Yobe Green and Safe’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068963455095&mibextid=LQQJ4d
We can also be reached through
abubakarabdulmusawwir@gmail.com
+2348069721169
