In a resounding step towards environmental sustainability and community empowerment in Gombe, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Tuesday, launched the eagerly anticipated 2024 tree-planting campaign alongside the distribution of community revolving fund (CRF) cheques.
The programme was held under the auspices of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, which marks a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to combat climate change and promote agricultural resilience.
The governor harped on the need to address environmental degradation exacerbated by climate change, which has severely impacted agriculture and rural livelihoods.
He said the state, in partnership with the World Bank, has already made significant strides in reclaiming degraded lands and stabilising communities through initiatives such as the Gombe Goes Green (3G) project.
“With the planting of over 4 million trees and the recovery of 140 hectares of land under ACReSAL, we are taking decisive action to reverse desert encroachment and erosion.
“The campaign aims to afforest 1,905 hectares this year alone, planting diverse species such as mahogany, syzygium, and mango to restore ecological balance and enhance agricultural productivity,” he said.
While distribution the CRF cheques to deserving beneficiaries, the governor emphasised the state government’s commitment to inclusive development.
Inuwa said the funds were earmarked to bolster agricultural production, improve food security, and uplift community welfare, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups such as women, youth, and people with special needs.
