By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has launched a large-scale tree planting campaign in Yobe State’s Sahara frontline areas, distributing 800,000 seedlings to combat desertification as part of activities marking the agency’s 10th anniversary.
Speaking at the event in Maimalari village, Yusufari LGA of Yobe State, the Director- General/CEO of NAGGW, Alhaji Saleh Abubakar, emphasized the urgent need to curb desert encroachment.
The DG said the campaign, which began in Jigawa State on July 31, reached a major milestone with the distribution of over 10 million seedlings.
He said the 2025 program, each of the participating states—Borno, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Adamawa.
“Each state will receive no fewer than 800,000 seedlings, comprising 450,000 date palm seeds and 350,000 assorted tree species.
“The Sahara is fast approaching these frontline desertification areas. The only way to stop it is by planting trees,” Saleh Abubakar stated.
He urged local communities to take ownership of the initiative and ensure the seedlings are nurtured beyond the rainy season through sustainable water management practices.
The Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Suleiman, echoed this sentiment, warning against illegal tree felling.
He said, “In my domain, anyone who cuts down a tree will face imprisonment. If you cannot plant, do not destroy,” he declared.
He praised past community-led efforts in maintaining water reservoirs and boreholes, urging residents to replicate such stewardship in sustaining the planting.
The Yobe State Commissioner of Environment, Hon. Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, lauded the GGW’s decade-long collaboration with frontline states.
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