Yobe State sets target of 40 million tree seedlings in fresh climate action drive

The Yobe State Government has inaugurated a standing committee on tree planting and environmental hazards as part of efforts to combat climate change and restore the ecosystem.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, who inaugurated the committee on Friday, tasked its members with driving a statewide tree-planting campaign scheduled to begin this planting season.

The committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Alhaji Idi Barde Gubana, is expected to commence work within one week to take advantage of the August rains. Governor Buni explained that the group would be responsible for site identification, land clearing, ploughing, and managing the treatment and distribution of about 50,000 seedlings already secured for the campaign.

Speaking on the initiative, Gubana announced that the tree-planting exercise would kick off in Damaturu on August 27, 2025, before expanding to all 17 local government headquarters on August 29, 2025. Each local government is expected to receive at least 3,000 assorted seedlings, with additional supplies allocated for household planting.

Altogether, the campaign targets the planting of two million seedlings across the state.

According to the government, the initiative highlights the Buni administration’s commitment to tackling environmental challenges, curbing desert encroachment, and promoting a greener Yobe.