Hussaini Ibrahim 
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – The Borno tree planting campaign has begun with an ambitious plan to plant four million seedlings and distribute 23,700 free clean cooking gas cylinders to reduce deforestation, improve air quality and strengthen climate resilience across the state.
The initiative, launched by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Thursday alongside the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawan, is expected to reduce dependence on firewood, cut indoor air pollution and promote environmental sustainability across Borno’s 27 local government areas.
The first phase of the programme will distribute 5,000 gas cylinders and clean cooking stoves to teachers in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, with beneficiaries in the remaining 25 councils to receive support in subsequent phases.
“I am particularly delighted that today’s programme also includes the distribution of clean cooking stoves and 5,000 cooking gas cylinders to school teachers. The programme does not end with the distribution of the gas cylinders; we shall also give them vouchers they will use to refill their cylinders through designated vendors,” Zulum says.
“This initiative will significantly reduce dependence on firewood, improve household health, protect our forests, reduce carbon emissions and improve the quality of life of thousands of families across our communities,” he adds.
Zulum describes environmental restoration as a key pillar of Borno’s post-conflict recovery strategy, saying ecosystem restoration is essential for sustainable development and lasting peace.
Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawan commends the state government for combining afforestation with clean cooking interventions.
“If you can remove 5,000 people from using firewood, it is a great achievement. Today we are also launching the planting of four million seedlings,” the minister says.
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Mirian Gom 
Korede Abdullah 
