2025 International Day of Forests: Governor Inuwa Yahaya Reaffirms Commitment to Sustainable Natural Resource Management
Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has joined the global community in commemorating the 2025 International Day of Forests, reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.
In a goodwill message, Governor Yahaya emphasized the critical role of forests in mitigating climate change, combating desertification, preserving biodiversity, and improving living standards. He described this year’s theme, "Forests and Food," as timely, as it underscores the importance of forests in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods, while also highlighting their contributions to ecosystem balance and climate resilience.
The Governor assured that his administration remains dedicated to forest conservation, afforestation, and climate resilience, stressing that protecting natural resources is not just an environmental obligation but a necessity for Gombe State’s future.
He further reiterated the government’s readiness to collaborate with development partners, environmental agencies, and community stakeholders to strengthen afforestation programs, restore degraded landscapes, and reinforce environmental governance frameworks aimed at building a greener and more resilient future.
*"As we mark this year’s International Day of Forests, I urge 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 both present and future generations.
As a government, we recognize 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.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s Environmental Initiatives
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has made environmental sustainability a key priority, integrating it into the state’s overall development agenda. Widely regarded as the "Green Governor," he has achieved significant strides in afforestation and land restoration across Gombe State.
One of his administration’s flagship environmental initiatives, the Gombe Goes Green (3G) Initiative, was launched in 2020 to combat environmental degradation and create employment opportunities for thousands of Gombe residents. Through this initiative, over four million trees have been planted across the state’s 11 local government areas, particularly in regions severely affected by desertification and land degradation.
Furthermore, the governor has prioritized tree planting in erosion-prone areas, complementing major erosion control projects. These include:
- Gombe State University – Malam Inna Gully Erosion Control Project (6.5km)
- FCE – Unguwa Uku Gully Erosion Control Project (spanning over 21km and impacting more than nine communities)
- Shehu Abubakar District – Commissioner of Police Residence Gully Erosion Control Project (ongoing)
Protecting Gombe’s Forest Reserves
Beyond afforestation, Governor Yahaya has taken decisive steps to protect the state’s forest reserves from encroachment and degradation. His administration constituted a committee to assess the status of grazing reserves, forest reserves, and cattle routes, leading to the ongoing resurvey, remapping, and redemarcation of gazetted grazing reserves across the state.
Another major project currently underway is the fencing and rehabilitation of the Kanawa Forest Reserve, aimed at securing the area from encroachment and ensuring long-term sustainability. This initiative includes the construction of administrative structures, monitoring units, and other essential facilities to enhance conservation efforts.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya remains committed to positioning Gombe State as a leader in environmental conservation and sustainable development, ensuring a greener, healthier, and more prosperous future for all.
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