By Abdullahi Lukman
The Petroleum Environmental Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA) has pledged to intensify its advocacy for sustainable environmental practices and combat illegal mining in Yobe State.
The commitment was made at the inauguration of the association’s new executive leadership in Damaturu on Tuesday, with Dr. Robert Adah, the National Chairman, represented by engineer Muhammad Mustapha, emphasizing renewed dedication to tackling environmental challenges.
Adah highlighted past achievements including a successful negotiation with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to introduce a special identification stamp and stipend for members across all 774 local government areas.
He also noted diplomatic efforts with embassies to foster security partnerships, capacity building, community outreach, and plans for a nationwide tree-planting campaign.
Yobe’s PESMDAA Commissioner, Abdullahi Guda, stressed the executive’s vital role in mobilizing the taskforce against illegal mining and environmental exploitation, warning that these activities threaten public health, biodiversity, economic stability, and climate resilience.
Yobe Police Commissioner, Emanuel Ado, through Deputy Commissioner Sama’ila Saleh, highlighted the link between environmental degradation and broader issues such as desert encroachment, food insecurity, and communal conflicts.
He called for enhanced cooperation among researchers, local authorities, and security agencies to ensure coordinated interventions.
Ado also urged PESMDAA to support grassroots sensitization, tree planting, and school environmental programs aimed at restoring degraded lands and promoting sustainable practices.
