NEAZDP Distributes 2,000 Seedlings to FUGA, USCOE Gashua

The North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) has distributed 2,000 assorted tree seedlings to two higher institutions in Gashua, Yobe State, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration. The seedlings, comprising drought-resistant species such as Neem, Prosopis, Baobab, Balanites, Tamarind, Citrus, Guava and Mango, were shared equally between the Federal […]

The North East Arid Zone Development Programme (NEAZDP) has distributed 2,000 assorted tree seedlings to two higher institutions in Gashua, Yobe State, as part of activities marking the 2026 World Environment Day celebration.

The seedlings, comprising drought-resistant species such as Neem, Prosopis, Baobab, Balanites, Tamarind, Citrus, Guava and Mango, were shared equally between the Federal University Gashua (FUGA) and Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua (USCOEGA), with each institution receiving 1,000 seedlings.

Speaking during the exercise, the Programme Manager of NEAZDP, Dr. Mulima Idi Mato, said the initiative was aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and supporting efforts to tackle climate change, desertification and land degradation across Yobe State.

He described tree planting as one of the most cost-effective strategies for restoring degraded land, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience in vulnerable communities.

Dr. Mato urged the beneficiary institutions to ensure proper care and maintenance of the seedlings through the establishment of tree-care committees, provision of irrigation support and sustained environmental awareness campaigns.

According to him, the programme remains committed to supporting afforestation initiatives and other environmental interventions that would contribute to a greener and healthier environment.

The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Gashua, Prof. Yakub Ahmad Geidam, commended NEAZDP for the intervention, describing the organisation as a people-oriented agency with a long-standing record in rural development and environmental management.

He also announced plans for the university’s Green Code Initiative, a project designed to encourage staff and students to actively participate in tree planting and environmental conservation activities.

Similarly, the Provost of Umar Suleiman College of Education, Gashua, Dr. Abdulrahman Danladi, lauded NEAZDP for what he described as a timely intervention in addressing the challenges of deforestation and desert encroachment.

He noted that the college had enjoyed a productive partnership with the programme over the years, particularly through the establishment of the Centre for Environmental and Primary Education Studies (CEPES), which has contributed significantly to environmental education and community awareness.

The event formed part of activities commemorating the 2026 World Environment Day themed, “A Global Call for Climate Action,” and highlighted the need for collective action in protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development.