UN, Yobe distribute 3m tree seedlings to fight desertification

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The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN OCHA) and the Yobe State Government have distributed three million tree seedlings to fight desertification and climate change.

The move is expected to help about 12 local council areas fight the impact of desertification. The 12 councils include Damaturu, Fune, Geidam, Karasuwa, Yusufari, Yunusari, Bursari, Tarmuwa, Jakusko, Nguru, Bade and Machina, a border council with Niger Republic.

Announcing the measures at an event to mark Humanitarian Day at Jakusko, the State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, said “Under the State’s plan of action, named: “Buni Cap 4 Yobe,” three million seedlings of assorted species of trees were raised for distribution across the state.”

Buni, who was represented by the deputy governor, Idi Barde Gubana, said the Ministry of Environment would allocate the seedlings to affected communities, schools, associations, emirates, as well as the 17 council areas.

He also enjoined the tree planning committee to ensure the protection of the fragile environment in each of the 17 the Councils. According to him, this was to scale up activities of the committee by liaising with traditional rulers to monitor and enforce Yobe State Forestry Law.

“To safeguard our fragile environment, is a task that requires the full cooperation and participation to fight desertification,”

The United Nation Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon, expressed worries about the rate of desert encroachment stressing that it is alarming and destroys the flora and fauna of Sahara desert, including palm plantations.

Kallon, who was represented by David Lubari Lominyo, noted that the climate crisis is a humanitarian protection concern to the most vulnerable people. He said that the humanitarian system has an important role in the fight against the climate emergency.

“We cannot afford to accept the investable climate disaster, especially here in the state,” he said, warning that peoples’ lives should be protected against any form of environmental degradation and hazards.

The Yobe State Commissioner for Environment, Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa said the Ministry has implemented policies and programmes geared towards addressing and mitigating the impacts of ecological challenges on people’s livelihoods.

He said that the mitigation efforts involve people who help through large-scale distribution of seedlings, massive afforestation, reforestation and provision of alternative cooking stoves.

He added that community enlightenment is to be intensified to reduce indiscriminate tree felling and unwholesome environmental practices.