Yobe state Ministry of Environment Damaturu

26/08/2026

Yobe Flags Off 2026 Annual Tree Planting Campaign in Damaturu .

The Yobe State Government today launched the 2026 Annual Tree Planting Campaign at the newly constructed Bukar Abba Ibrahim Housing Estate along Potiskum Road, Damaturu.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, who also serves as Chairman of the Yobe State Tree Planting Steering Committee, officiated the flag-off ceremony.

In his opening address, the Deputy Governor said:

"I am deeply honoured to stand before you today to flag off the 2026 Annual Tree Planting Campaign on behalf of His Excellency the Executive Governor. Let me first express our profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for sparing our lives and giving us the opportunity to witness this important event.

Yobe State remains one of the states most affected by desertification, land degradation, and the harsh realities of climate change. Our farmlands are shrinking, our livelihoods are threatened, and the need to act decisively has never been more urgent.

In response, the Yobe State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, has approved the planting of trees across the state in 2026.

Today’s flag-off in Damaturu marks the beginning. Between 26th and 30th August, the remaining 16 Local Government Areas will conduct their own flag-off ceremonies to ensure that no community is left behind.

Our fight against desertification will not succeed without the active involvement of our communities. I therefore call on,

Traditional rulers and religious leaders to champion the campaign and discourage indiscriminate tree felling,
Local government chairmen to provide leadership and mobilise their people;
· Youth and women groups to take ownership and lead planting in schools, homes, and public spaces.

Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, reiterated the government's commitment to environmental restoration. He stated.

The theme of

26/08/2026

Yobe Flags Off 2026 Annual Tree Planting Campaign in Damaturu .

The Yobe State Government today launched the 2026 Annual Tree Planting Campaign at the newly constructed Bukar Abba Ibrahim Housing Estate along Potiskum Road, Damaturu.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his Deputy, Hon. Idi Barde Gubana, who also serves as Chairman of the Yobe State Tree Planting Steering Committee, officiated the flag-off ceremony.

In his opening address, the Deputy Governor said:

"I am deeply honoured to stand before you today to flag off the 2026 Annual Tree Planting Campaign on behalf of His Excellency the Executive Governor. Let me first express our profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for sparing our lives and giving us the opportunity to witness this important event.

Yobe State remains one of the states most affected by desertification, land degradation, and the harsh realities of climate change. Our farmlands are shrinking, our livelihoods are threatened, and the need to act decisively has never been more urgent.

In response, the Yobe State Government, under the visionary leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, has approved the planting of trees across the state in 2026.

Today’s flag-off in Damaturu marks the beginning. Between 26th and 30th August, the remaining 16 Local Government Areas will conduct their own flag-off ceremonies to ensure that no community is left behind.

Our fight against desertification will not succeed without the active involvement of our communities. I therefore call on,

Traditional rulers and religious leaders to champion the campaign and discourage indiscriminate tree felling,
Local government chairmen to provide leadership and mobilise their people;
· Youth and women groups to take ownership and lead planting in schools, homes, and public spaces.

Also speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, reiterated the government's commitment to environmental restoration. He stated.

The theme of

21/07/2026

TIKAU EMIRATE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT.

The Committee on Environmental and Climate Change Issues of Tikau Emirate has paid a courtesy visit to the Yobe State Ministry of Environment, seeking support and collaboration for its conservation efforts.

The delegation, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Mahammadu Talba Shuwa, was received by the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, in his office. During the meeting, Alhaji Shuwa explained the main purpose of the visit, which was to seek the Ministry's intervention and partnership.

He disclosed that the committee was established in 2009 by the late Emir of Tikau with the mandate to prevent the illegal felling of live trees and to promote afforestation within the emirate. He further stated that the committee is scheduled to visit the Environmental Climate Change Action Project (Eccap) headquarters in Garin Alkali on 23 July 2026 for critical discussions regarding this year's planting season.

In his response, Commissioner Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa expressed his appreciation for the committee's initiative and assured them of the Ministry's full support. He briefed the delegation on the functions of the ECCAP project, which is supported by the African Development Bank, noting that the project aims to plant a total of 40 million seedlings, starting with an initial 20 million.

The Commissioner also recalled that during ECCAP's sensitisation tours, the team had visited Tikau Emirate and had already pledged support in areas such as the establishment of shelterbelts, woodlots, orchards, and other related interventions. He advised the committee to come along with a formal proposal when they visit the ECCAP office, as the project has extensive plans for collaboration.

Furthermore, he promised that the Ministry would provide Baobab trees to support the committee's tree planting campaign this year.

Shettima Mustapha
Information and Public Relations Officer
Ministry of

04/02/2026

Yobe Records Major Gains Against Desertification Through ACReSAL, Other Interventions — Environment Commissioner
The Yobe State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, says the state has recorded major successes in its fight against desertification and environmental degradation through the implementation of the ACReSAL Project and other strategic interventions.

The Commissioner disclosed this during an interview granted to Mr. John Adama, an Impact Study Consultant undertaking a national assessment of ACReSAL implementation across beneficiary states.

Karasuwa described desert encroachment as one of the most serious environmental challenges confronting Yobe State, noting that the phenomenon has continued to threaten livelihoods, displace communities and degrade productive land.

He explained that the state government, in collaboration with development partners, has intensified efforts to curb the menace through the establishment of shelter belts, tree planting and land restoration programmes.

According to him, no fewer than 70 shelter belts (windbreaks) have been successfully established across different parts of the state, alongside extensive plantation activities aimed at halting the advancing desert and rehabilitating degraded landscapes.

“To date, we have recovered at least 184 hectares of land through these interventions,” Karasuwa said.

The Commissioner stressed that the impact of the programme extends beyond environmental protection, as reclaimed land is enabling affected communities to return to their homes, resume farming and restore their means of livelihood.

“This is not just about trees; it is about people. Reclaimed land means communities can return, farm and resume their normal activities. There is visible happiness and a renewed sense of hope among our people,” he added.

While commending the progress recorded so far, Karasuwa called for sustained and increased support from the ACReSAL project and other partners to enable t

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

Yobe Records Major Gains Against Desertification Through ACReSAL, Other Interventions — Environment Commissioner
The Yobe State Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, says the state has recorded major successes in its fight against desertification and environmental degradation through the implementation of the ACReSAL Project and other strategic interventions.

The Commissioner disclosed this during an interview granted to Mr. John Adama, an Impact Study Consultant undertaking a national assessment of ACReSAL implementation across beneficiary states.

Karasuwa described desert encroachment as one of the most serious environmental challenges confronting Yobe State, noting that the phenomenon has continued to threaten livelihoods, displace communities and degrade productive land.

He explained that the state government, in collaboration with development partners, has intensified efforts to curb the menace through the establishment of shelter belts, tree planting and land restoration programmes.

According to him, no fewer than 70 shelter belts (windbreaks) have been successfully established across different parts of the state, alongside extensive plantation activities aimed at halting the advancing desert and rehabilitating degraded landscapes.

“To date, we have recovered at least 184 hectares of land through these interventions,” Karasuwa said.

The Commissioner stressed that the impact of the programme extends beyond environmental protection, as reclaimed land is enabling affected communities to return to their homes, resume farming and restore their means of livelihood.

“This is not just about trees; it is about people. Reclaimed land means communities can return, farm and resume their normal activities. There is visible happiness and a renewed sense of hope among our people,” he added.

While commending the progress recorded so far, Karasuwa called for sustained and increased support from the ACReSAL project and other partners to enable t

03/02/2026

Tackling Deforestation: Yobe, FG Distribute 3,500 Clean Cooking Stoves
The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, has commenced the distribution of 3,500 clean cooking stoves produced with local technology to vulnerable citizens across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The initiative, officially launched at the Yobe State Ministry of Environment along Gujba Road, Damaturu, is aimed at reducing deforestation, mitigating climate change, and improving access to safer and more efficient household cooking solutions.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, described climate change—largely driven by continuous greenhouse gas emissions from human activities—as a major global challenge that requires urgent and collective action.

He explained that the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, which supports the distribution of clean and efficient cooking stoves, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving Nigeria’s emission reduction targets as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Commissioner noted that the Yobe State Government is complementing this national effort through the Ministry’s Alternative Energy Programme.

According to him, the state government, under the leadership of Mai Mala Buni, previously procured and distributed 1,000 units of 6kg gas cylinders, 500 Jiko-Koa stoves, 500 Save80 stoves, and 500 Munco stoves free of charge to households across the state to reduce emissions from residential cooking.

Alhaji Karasuwa congratulated the beneficiaries selected for the current phase of the Presidential Initiative and urged them to make proper use of the stoves, stressing that the devices will help protect women’s health, reduce household air pollution, and lessen pressure on forest resources.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Maidala Beleri Bularafa, commended the Federal Government f

03/02/2026

Tackling Deforestation: Yobe, FG Distribute 3,500 Clean Cooking Stoves
The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Environment, has commenced the distribution of 3,500 clean cooking stoves produced with local technology to vulnerable citizens across the 17 local government areas of the state.

The initiative, officially launched at the Yobe State Ministry of Environment along Gujba Road, Damaturu, is aimed at reducing deforestation, mitigating climate change, and improving access to safer and more efficient household cooking solutions.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Environment, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, described climate change—largely driven by continuous greenhouse gas emissions from human activities—as a major global challenge that requires urgent and collective action.

He explained that the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change, which supports the distribution of clean and efficient cooking stoves, demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to achieving Nigeria’s emission reduction targets as outlined in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

The Commissioner noted that the Yobe State Government is complementing this national effort through the Ministry’s Alternative Energy Programme.

According to him, the state government, under the leadership of Mai Mala Buni, previously procured and distributed 1,000 units of 6kg gas cylinders, 500 Jiko-Koa stoves, 500 Save80 stoves, and 500 Munco stoves free of charge to households across the state to reduce emissions from residential cooking.

Alhaji Karasuwa congratulated the beneficiaries selected for the current phase of the Presidential Initiative and urged them to make proper use of the stoves, stressing that the devices will help protect women’s health, reduce household air pollution, and lessen pressure on forest resources.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Maidala Beleri Bularafa, commended the Federal Government f

07/01/2026

Yobe Sahara Restoration Project Team Seeks Collaboration with Environment Ministry.

The Yobe State Sahara Restoration Project team has moved to strengthen its partnership with the State Ministry of Environment, seeking crucial support for its landmark initiatives.

The Project Coordinator, Muhammed Musa, led his team on a courtesy visit to the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa. The visit aimed to foster collaboration and align project activities with the ministry's mandate and resources.

In his address, Coordinator Musa emphasized the need for a strengthened partnership and outlined specific areas for joint effort. He briefed the Ministry on key upcoming project components, including:

The restoration of thirty oases in the Yusufari and Yunusari Local Government Areas.
The plantation of three millions of seedlings, which are now ready for plantation.

The stock includes drought resistant species such as Neem tree , Mahogany, Gum Arabic, and others.
Core objectives of restoring degraded lands, improving food , creating jobs, and enhancing community livelihoods.

Musa announced that the project has received final approval and is scheduled to commence implementation in March of this year, Insha'Allah.

In his response, the Honourable Commissioner, Alhaji Sidi Yakubu Karasuwa, congratulated the team on the project's speedy approval. He offered strategic advice to ensure its success, recommending:

The immediate establishment of a State Steering Committee and a Technical Committee for the project to ensure proper governance and alignment with government objectives.
The organization of comprehensive training and retraining programs for both senior and junior staff to build capacity for effective project delivery.

Commissioner Karasuwa assured the team of the Ministry's full support and cooperation at all times, reaffirming the government's commitment to combating desertification and improving the environment for the people of Y