By : Gbenga Akingbule .
Borno State Government on Thursday commenced the 2026 Tree Planting Campaign with the planting of four million seedlings as part of efforts to combat desertification, and mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.
Gatekeepers News reports that the state governor , Prof. Babagana Zulum, also intensified its clean energy campaign by distributing 21,000 free cooking stoves and cylinders to primary school teachers and staff of the Borno State Environmental Protection Agency (BOSEPA).
The initiative , according to Prof . Zulum is aimed at promoting the adoption of clean cooking energy, reducing dependence on firewood, curbing deforestation, and improving environmental sustainability across the state.
This was made know at an occasion where the Miniter of Environment Hon Balarabe Abbas Lawal was invited by the state government to lauch the 2026 tree planting campaing in Maiduguri the Borno srate capital .
According to Prof Zulum ” Our administration firmly believes that environmental restoration must remain an integral component of our rebuilding and recovery agenda. As we reconstruct communities affected by conflict, we must equally restore the ecosystems that sustain those communities. Sustainable peace and sustainable development cannot flourish in a degraded environment.”
The governor added that ” For us in Borno State, this campaign carries even greater significance. As a frontline State within the Sahel region, we continue to experience the harsh realities of climate change, including desert encroachment, dwindling vegetation, rising temperatures and environmental degradation. These challenges threaten agriculture, food security, water resources and the livelihoods of millions of our people.”
He urged the beneficiaries of the free cooking stoves and gas cylinders to use them effectively and refrain from using firewood, noting that the initiative is aimed at promoting clean energy, improving public health, and protecting the environment.
” The 5,000 cylinders we’re distributing today is just a flag off. All the 21,000 primary School teachers will benefit. They are making a lot of sacrifice and we need to support not only to discourage the use of fire wood and tree falling but to improve health,” he said
A similar gesture was also extended to 2,500 staff members of BOSEPA with the governor urging them to remain dedicated to their duties of protecting the environment and ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Borno State.
A dummy cheque of ₦112.5 million was presented to the beneficiaries, with the governor explaining that the funds would be used as vouchers to refill the gas cylinders at designated locations , making it easier for beneficiaries to adopt clean cooking practices without the immediate burden of refill costs.
One of the primary school teachers Nana Ahmed Jere commended Governor Babagana Zulum for gifting her and her colleagues free cooking stoves and gas cylinders saying ” I am deeply grateful to the governor for this wonderful gesture. The cooking stove and gas cylinder will go a long way in reducing the financial burden on my family, especially with the recent hike in filling gas cylinder ”
The Minister of Environment who launched the four milllion seedlings said ” today’s ceremony goes beyond the planting of trees; it represents a renewed reaffirmation of our collective commitment to restoring degraded landscapes, combating desertification, conserving biodiversity, expanding Nigeria’s forest cover, and strengthening our capacity to address the impacts of climate change.”
