Gombe to tackle deforestation with four million trees

In a renewed effort to check deforestation in North Central zone, the Gombe State Government has launched a four million tree planting scheme.

The scheme, which would be in phases, is expected to last for four years. Already, the government has planted 1.3 million tree seedlings under the first phase of the programme.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said that by the end of the administration, it would have created more awareness in the state because of its strategic position in the zone.

Yahaya who disclosed this when he visited the Minister of Environment, Dr. Muhammad Abubakar in Abuja, sought assistance and collaboration from the ministry on environmental issues.

He also explained that, with the population of 3.5 million people, out of which 70 per cent are farmers, mining activities, gully erosion and desertification have impacted negatively on the citizens.

His words: “We need support from national agency for great green wall. The Forestry Institute has developed a good number of tree seedlings for the project. The state equally has identified 200 erosion sites as well as paid NEWMAP counterpart funds.”

Responding, Dr. Abubakar pledged the ministry’s commitment and support for the state afforestation project, saying, “it is the best in the country and we need such to stem the scourge of climate change.

He, equally, commended the governor for taking initiatives such as Gombe Green. “We will support your state by providing expertise for the afforestation to achieve its purpose in the zone.

The minister further argued, “we have approached the World Bank to extend their projects to Nigeria, adding, “We benefited more from the bank than any country in the continent of Africa.”

He disclosed that the ministry has forwarded two memos to the Federal Executive Council on Forestry and solid waste management, adding, these would involve states, local governments, and private sector.