Gombe State Celebrates Success of Environmental Projects

As the global community marks World Environment Day 2026 with the theme 'Climate Action', Gombe State has been hailed as a model for climate resilience and sustainable environmental management in Nigeria. According to the Overseeing Director of Information in Gombe State, Richard James, the state has made significant strides in addressing environmental challenges such as desert encroachment, severe soil erosion, and declining vegetation cover. James noted that these problems have had direct consequences on agriculture, water resources, and the livelihoods of rural communities. However, he said the administration of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has taken proactive measures to address these challenges through various environmental and climate adaptation initiatives. The Gombe Goes Green Initiative, launched in 2019, has led to the planting of over five million trees across the state, helping to combat desertification, improve vegetation cover, and mitigate the effects of climate change. James described Governor Yahaya as a leader who has embraced climate action, long before it became the central focus of this year's World Environment Day theme. The initiative has promoted environmental education, biodiversity conservation, job creation, ecological restoration, and community participation. The state government has also intensified efforts to tackle erosion and land degradation through partnerships with development agencies and environmental intervention programmes. James cited interventions under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project and the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes Project as major contributors to land restoration efforts in the state. Over 1,000 hectares of degraded land have been reclaimed, while three major erosion sites covering nearly 50 kilometres have either been stabilised or are undergoing intervention. The state government is also promoting the use of energy-efficient cookstoves to reduce dependence on firewood and lower carbon emissions. James stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to tackle climate change, and called for the active involvement of every citizen. He advocated for the domestication and implementation of Nigeria's National Climate Change Policy at the state level to strengthen Gombe's capacity to manage climate-related risks and accelerate sustainable development. James described Gombe as a strong example of what can be achieved through collaboration among government, traditional institutions, development partners, civil society groups, and citizens. 'Climate action is not merely an environmental obligation; it is an investment in economic prosperity, social well-being, and the future of generations yet unborn,' he stated. James urged residents to mark World Environment Day by taking practical steps toward environmental protection, including tree planting, waste reduction, energy conservation, and support for environmental initiatives. 'Together, we can build a greener, healthier, and more resilient Gombe State,' he added.