By Tokunbo2
Copyright thesun
From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
Gombe State government says it has planted over five million trees since the launch of the Gombe Goes Green (3G) initiative in 2019, a figure officials believe could make the state Nigeria’s leading tree-planting hub by 2026.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the 3G Task Force and Mai Tula, Dr Abubakar Atare Buba, in an interview with Daily Sun in Gombe. He said the task force, which came under his leadership in March 2025, has intensified campaigns across all 11 local government areas to push the state beyond its initial target.
“Our goal is not just to meet the government’s target but to surpass it. Local government committees are doing an excellent job at the grassroots, and by next year, Gombe will plant the highest number of trees in this country, Insha Allah,” Dr Buba stated.
The 3G initiative was introduced by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya as a long-term response to desertification, deforestation, and climate change impacts threatening the state’s farmlands and water resources. Since then, annual tree-planting drives have been held with thousands of volunteers and community members participating.
Dr Buba explained that community buy-in remains a major factor in sustaining the project, stressing that residents now see the planted trees as theirs and have taken responsibility for protecting them. “This sense of ownership is far more sustainable than relying solely on government or paid labour,” he added.
He commended Governor Yahaya for what he described as “unwavering support” to the programme and acknowledged the contributions of local councils and partner organisations that have backed the campaign.
An environmental expert in Gombe, Muaz Abubakar Garba, notes that with over five million trees already in the ground, Gombe’s 3G project is fast becoming a model for other northern states grappling with the effects of climate change and indiscriminate tree felling for fuel.
“If current momentum is sustained, Gombe could set a national benchmark in reforestation by 2026,” Muaz stated as he commended the 3G project.
