By Abbas Nazil
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Jigawa State, Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, has announced the official launch of the 2025 Tree Planting Campaign, a bold state initiative aimed at restoring over 5,000 hectares of degraded land.
The campaign was flagged off at Pentagon Roundabout in Dutse, where Governor Malam Umar Namadi, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Bala Ibrahim, led the symbolic tree planting and oversaw the distribution of seedlings to all 27 local government areas of the state.
This tree planting campaign is part of a comprehensive environmental protection strategy that includes the annual production and distribution of 2.5 million tree seedlings, widespread community sensitization, and partnerships with both national and international stakeholders.
In his address at the ceremony, Governor Namadi reaffirmed the state’s commitment to environmental sustainability, describing the initiative as a reflection of his administration’s pledge to scale up efforts in environmental development and land protection.
He emphasized that the programme aligns with Jigawa’s broader policy goals of promoting environmental resilience, securing sustainable livelihoods, improving public health, and protecting the ecosystem.
The governor highlighted that Jigawa is grappling with pressing environmental challenges such as desertification, flooding, deforestation, and poor waste management, which pose immediate threats to food security, daily livelihoods, and overall community well-being.
“These are not distant threats,” the governor said. “They are present realities negatively impacting our lives and it is our collective responsibility to fight and win the battle against all forms of environmental degradation.”
To address these issues, Governor Namadi disclosed that the state is actively reclaiming degraded lands through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project using methods like shelter belts, grazing reserves, and agroforestry.
He noted that through ACReSAL, over 5,000 hectares in 27 locations across the state will be restored with measurable environmental outcomes already underway.
In a bid to enforce environmental protection, the governor also revealed that five key environmental laws — including the Forestry Law, Bush Burning Control Law, Wild Animals Law, and Sanitation Laws — have been reviewed and submitted to the State House of Assembly for amendment.
To mitigate flood risks, he said the government has procured two amphibious hydraulic excavators for clearing river channels choked by Typha grass.
Additionally, drainage systems are being constructed in 32 locations to recover flood-damaged areas, and 130 kilometers of embankments have been constructed along rivers to protect farmlands and enhance climate resilience.
Governor Namadi issued a strong warning to illegal loggers, unauthorized chainsaw operators, and charcoal producers to desist or face legal consequences under the strengthened environmental laws.
He reaffirmed his administration’s determination to create a greener, safer, and more sustainable Jigawa State for future generations.
