Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 International Day of Forests, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.
The governor, in a goodwill message, signed by Director-General Press Affairs Gombe Government House Ismaila Misilli, stressed the important role the forests play in mitigating climate change, combating desertification, and preserving biodiversity towards improved living standard.
He described as apt, the 2025 theme, “Forests and Food”, which highlights the crucial role of forests in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods, as well as their contributions to ecosystems and climate change mitigation.
The Governor assured that his administration will remain steadfast in its commitment to forest conservation, afforestation, and climate resilience, emphasizing that protecting natural resources is not just an environmental obligation but a necessity for securing the future of Gombe State.
The governor also reaffirmed the Gombe State Government’s readiness to collaborate with development partners, environmental agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen afforestation programmes, restore degraded landscapes, and reinforce environmental governance frameworks to build a greener, more resilient future for all.
“As we mark this year’s International Day of Forests, I call on all stakeholders;traditional institutions, civil society, and every citizen; to take ownership of our environment. Let us protect our forests, plant more trees, and promote sustainable land-use practices for the benefit of present and future generations.
“As a government, we recognise the indispensable role forests play in regulating climate, preventing soil erosion, and sustaining livelihoods. This understanding has guided our policies, as reflected in our 10-year development plan, ‘Devagom,’ which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We have taken deliberate and bold steps not only to plant trees but also to ensure the protection and sustainable management of our forest resources,” the governor stated.
The statement added that Gombe Goes Green Initiative, which is an ambitious afforestation campaign launched in 2020 by the governor has successfully reversed environmental degradation and, created employment opportunities for thousands of Gombe indigenes.
“The state has successfully planted over four million trees in both major and minor towns across the 11 local government areas, particularly along roads and in areas severely affected by land degradation,’ the statement partly read.
To further demonstrate his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, Governor Yahaya says he has prioritised tree planting in areas prone to gully erosion, particularly where erosion control projects have been executed.
