By Aliyu Gerengi Gombe
A tree planting exercise has been conducted in Gwani West Community, Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, as part of efforts to increase vegetation cover and promote environmental sustainability.
The exercise was organised by JEI in collaboration with the Eco-Climate Restoration Movement (ECReM), following a request by residents of the community for support to improve the area’s vegetation and environmental conditions.
During the exercise, the organisations donated and planted tree seedlings at the newly constructed Central Mosque and other strategic locations across the community.
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of JEI, Alhaji Samaila Bima, the organisation’s Environment and Safeguard Officer, Umar Yahaya Zakarai, stressed the importance of maintaining a clean and green environment.
He urged residents to develop a lasting culture of environmental protection by caring for the trees and ensuring their survival to maturity.
The Chief Executive Officer of ECReM, Ibrahim Ahmad Hussaini, commended the community for its efforts in preserving existing Neem trees, noting that the success of any tree-planting initiative depends largely on long-term maintenance and protection.
Hussaini encouraged residents to take ownership of the newly planted trees and protect them against destruction to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
Also speaking, the Galadiman Gwani West, Malam Adamu Mamuda; JIBWIS Leader, Malam Abdullahi Leka; and the Chief Imam, Sheikh Shuaibu Musa, expressed appreciation for the initiative and pledged the community’s full support and commitment to environmental sustainability.
The exercise brought together community members of different age groups, alongside traditional and religious leaders, to take practical action against desertification, extreme heat and soil erosion.
The organisers described the initiative as more than just a tree-planting exercise, saying it represents an investment in a healthier and more sustainable environment for future generations.
They emphasised that the success of any tree-planting effort depends not only on planting trees but also on nurturing, protecting and maintaining them to maturity.
