Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State says his administration has planted over four million trees within the past four years.
Yahaya said this in a statement by his media aide, Mr Ismaila Uba-Misilliin, in Gombe on Friday, March 21, to commemorate the 2025 International Day of Forests.
He said the planting of the trees was part of efforts at afforesting and reclaiming degraded land in the state.
The governor said since assumption of office in 2019, his administration had prioritised environmental sustainability, making it one of the cornerstones of his administration and incorporating the same into the state’s overall development plan.
He said the trees were planted under the “Gombe Goes Green (3G)” initiative, which has achieved significant strides in afforestation and land restoration across the state.
According to him, the initiative has successfully reversed environmental degradation and created employment opportunities for thousands of Gombe indigenes.
“Through the 3G initiative, the state has successfully planted over four million trees in both major and minor towns across the 11 Local Government Areas, particularly along roads and in areas severely affected by land degradation.
“Beyond urban afforestation, my administration has also taken decisive steps to protect the state’s forest reserves from encroachment and degradation,” he said.
The governor said a committee was constituted to assess the status of grazing and forest reserves, as well as cattle routes, leading to the ongoing resurvey, remapping, and re-demarcation of gazetted grazing reserves across the state.
He said the government was currently fencing and rehabilitating the Kanawa Forest Reserve, aimed at securing the area from encroachment and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
Yahaya added that the project included the construction of administrative structures, monitoring units, and other essential facilities to enhance forest conservation efforts.
He said the efforts by the government in this regard, reaffirmed commitment to environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.
“As we mark this year’s International Day of Forests, I call on all stakeholders, traditional institutions, civil society, and every citizen; to take ownership of our environment.
“Let us protect our forests, plant more trees, and promote sustainable land-use practices, for the benefit of present and future generations,” the governor said.
He said forests play an important role in mitigating climate change, combating desertification, and preserving biodiversity, toward improved living standard.
Yahaya described the 2025 theme: “Forests and Food”, as apt saying that it highlighted the crucial role of forests in food security, nutrition, livelihoods and contributions to ecosystems and climate change mitigation.
By Peter Uwumarogie