By Abdul Lauya – From Dadiya, Gombe State
In a decisive push to deepen grassroots environmental advocacy, the Gombe Goes Green (3G) Taskforce has taken its climate campaign to the heart of Balanga Local Government Area, rallying traditional and community leaders in Dadiya Chiefdom against the escalating threat of deforestation.
Led by the Taskforce Chairman, His Royal Highness Dr. Abubakar Atare Buba II, the delegation was warmly received at the palace of His Royal Highness Folo Dadiya, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulkadir Abubakar Galadima III, the revered First Class Monarch of the ancient Dadiya Chiefdom. The engagement brought together traditional rulers, local government officials, and community members in a united call to action against environmental degradation.
Addressing the gathering, the Taskforce Chairman stressed the devastating consequences of unchecked deforestation on agriculture, climate stability, and the future of generations yet unborn. He urged the people to embrace afforestation and sustainability as a shared duty, emphasizing that environmental stewardship begins at the community level.
A major highlight of the visit was the formal inauguration of the Local Government Environmental Taskforce Committee, charged with the responsibility of enforcing environmental regulations, educating residents, and driving the 3G vision at the grassroots. Members of the committee pledged to serve with integrity, dedication, and a commitment to safeguarding their environment.
The visit concluded with a symbolic tree-planting ceremony within the palace grounds, as Taskforce members and community leaders each planted legacy trees, a powerful act underscoring their shared commitment to a greener, more resilient Gombe.
Since its launch in 2019, the Gombe Goes Green campaign has made significant strides in restoring degraded land, improving biodiversity through the planting of indigenous trees, and raising public awareness around ecological sustainability. It has also contributed to erosion control, desertification mitigation, and community livelihoods through the cultivation of fruit-bearing trees. Fast-growing species planted as part of the initiative have aided climate change adaptation across the state.
Despite these gains, the campaign faces challenges, including cases of vandalism, arson, and the theft of tree protectors—incidents that threaten the long-term impact of reforestation efforts. Furthermore, the campaign has endured temporary job losses due to funding constraints, sparking concerns about continuity and support for environmental workers.
Nevertheless, the 3G Taskforce remains undeterred. Recent community-driven initiatives, such as school-based tree planting and the GGMC Doma Erosion and Flood Control Project, reflect a strategy of inclusion and resilience. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, traditional institutions, and government bodies, the campaign continues to anchor itself firmly within the social and ecological fabric of Gombe State.
In Dadiya, the message is clear: the fight against deforestation must be local, visible, and relentless. The visit is not only a milestone in the 3G campaign but a renewed call for communal responsibility, one tree, one community at a time.
