Gov. Buni launches 3 million trees planting campaign

From: Sa’adatu MAINA, Damaturu

Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni has inaugurated three million trees planting campaign to reclaim soil fertility and convert desertification in the state.

Buni said the State Government had so far raised three million assorted tree seedlings for this planting season to address peculiar environmental challenges in the state.

He also said the gesture was meant to safeguard the environment against man-made and natural factors that had affected vegetation cover, rainfall pattern, agricultural yield and general climatic condition in the state over the years.

“It is regrettable that human activities especially illegal tree felling had continuously depleted our hitherto rich vegetation, sound and healthy environment, threatening food security and economic growth of our people.”

He lamented that Yobe state was one of the frontline states with severe environmental challenges in Nigeria as classified by international organizations.

“We will not allow this to continue, we must change this ugly trend to save our environment and people.”, Buni added.

He, therefore, said it had become imperative for the state to kick-start our innovative drive at raising at least 5 million assorted tree seedlings annually to reach our target of raising 20 million trees in four years.

“This, we believe, will provide the much-needed impetus for our land restoration and increased vegetation cover in the State

“To achieve this goal, we have already evolved some measures that create the needed awareness, participation and involvement of all Yobeans to own the programme.”, Buni said.

He added that state government would encourage competition among the emirate councils, local government councils, tertiary institutions, secondary and primary schools on tree planting and nurturing to maturity.

In his remarks Alhaji Sidi Karasuwa, the State Commissioner Ministry of Environment enjoined general public and other stakeholders to support the programme.

“I wish to take this opportunity and enjoined our International partners, NGOs, CBOs and all Yobeans to support and participate Buni led administration’s derive to restore our forest through the Governor Buni Climate Change Action Plan.”, Karasuwa said.