Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has planted 2.1 million tree-seedlings to fight desertification and environmental degradation in the state. According to him, desertification, which moves at 600 metres yearly, has engulfed 13 local councils, including Abadam, Mobbar, Kukawa and Guzamala.
  
Flagging off the 2023 tree planting campaign, yesterday, at Borno State University Teaching Hospital (BOUTH), the governor disclosed: “Borno Ministry of Environment is to liaise with the 27 local councils to raise 10 million tree-seedlings for the July 2024 massive tree planting campaign.”
  
This, he stated, would enable the various communities to become climate smart in protecting their fragile environment threatened by desertification.
Zulum also lamented the loss of 80 per cent vegetation to desertification and over a decade Boko Haram attacks in the state.

With the theme, ‘Let’s Green Our Cities’, this year’s tree planting campaign was to protect the fragile ecosystem by mitigating climate change. Noting that planting of trees does not only protect the environment, but also reduces perennial flooding, soil erosion and acts as windbreaks over cities and towns, he directed each of the 27 local council chairmen to raise 200,000 tree-seedlings for next year’s campaign.
  
The governor also directed the Commissioner for Environment, Mohammed Koise, to resuscitate the afforestation project in the 27 local councils with the deployment of forest guards.
  
He added that trees should be planted in the housing estates in Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Council to serve as shades and windbreaks. Briefing the governor on the dangers of desertification, Koise disclosed that 27,000 tree-seedlings were available for distribution to educational institutions, clubs, associations and communities for planting.
  
Shehu of Borno, represented by the District Head of Gwange, also assured the governor that traditional rulers would continue to support the government in mitigating climate change, including desertification.