The Yobe State Government on Thursday, November 14, 2019 introduced monetary incentives of N1,000 per seedling to volunteers who plant and nurture trees to combat desertification and promote environmental regeneration.
Governor Mai Mala Buni, who disclosed this in Damaturu at the payment of incentives to beneficiaries in Damaturu, the state capital, said over 2,000 volunteers across the state who planted and nurtured trees were to benefit from the incentives.
Buni, who was represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Gubana, said the gesture was to appreciate people who complement efforts of government in combating desertification and environmental degradation.
“Yobe is located in semi-arid and arid zones, with very scanty vegetation, which gives very little protection to the environment.
“This situation is further aggravated by increased pressure on land for farming, as well as indiscriminate tree felling for wood fuel,” he said.
The governor directed local government council chairmen, traditional and community leaders to take proactive measures in mobilising their subjects to actively participate in the tree planting programme.
Gov. Buni thanked local and international partners involved in fighting desertification and environmental degradation.
