Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has inaugurated the 2023 tree-planting campaign with a significant goal of planting 1.2 million trees across the state.
The ceremony, held at the premises of the Borno State University Teaching Hospital marks a proactive step to address the pressing issue of desertification and other environmental challenges in the state.
This year’s campaign in Borno carries the theme “Trees for Resettlement,” aligning with the United Nations’ broader initiative, “Let’s Green Our City.”
Zulum, in his address during the event, emphasized the importance of transitioning to gas cookers and wood-efficient stoves to counteract the adverse effects of widespread tree felling.
Warning about the potential desertification of the entire state if unchecked, he highlighted the devastating loss of over 80% of vegetation in Borno due to insurgency.
He stressed that the clearing of trees for security reasons and firewood has significantly impacted the environment.
Addressing the broader concern of climate change and desert encroachment in northern states, he urged urgent action to combat these challenges by prioritizing tree-planting initiatives.
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In a bold announcement, he outlined an ambitious plan for the State Government to plant 10 million trees in 2024.
He detailed that each of the 27 Local Governments would contribute 200,000 trees, making up 5.4 million trees, while the State Government would raise the remaining 5 million.
Zulum directed the State Ministry of Environment to abandon its traditional tree-planting model in favour of an innovative, result-based approach.
He emphasized the importance of adhering to a strict working calendar and ensuring early preparation of seedlings by both the ministry and the
