By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has launched the distribution of 23,700 clean cooking gas cylinders to teachers and environmental vanguards across the state’s 27 local government areas as part of efforts to reduce deforestation and promote environmental sustainability.
The governor also announced that beneficiaries would receive refill vouchers to enable them recharge their cylinders through designated vendors, ensuring sustained use of the clean cooking initiative.
Zulum made the announcement on Thursday during the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign and Distribution of Clean Cooking Stoves and Gas Cylinders held in Maiduguri.
He explained that the first phase of the programme would provide 5,000 gas cylinders and clean cooking stoves to teachers and environmental vanguards in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere Local Government Area, while beneficiaries in the remaining 25 local government areas would receive theirs 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 provide vouchers which beneficiaries will use to refill their cylinders through designated vendors,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that the initiative would reduce dependence on firewood, improve household health, protect forests, cut carbon emissions and improve the quality of life for thousands of families across the state.
“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. The Borno State Government under my leadership will extend the programme to teachers in the remaining local government areas,” he added.
Zulum described environmental restoration as a key component of his administration’s rebuilding and recovery agenda, stressing that ecological sustainability must complement post-conflict reconstruction.
“As we reconstruct communities affected by conflict, we must equally restore the ecosystem that sustains them. Sustainable peace and sustainable development cannot flourish in a degraded environment,” he said.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising environmental sustainability under the Renewed Hope Agenda and praised First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her support for environmental conservation initiatives.
He also appreciated the Federal Ministry of Environment, its agencies and development partners for supporting efforts to build a climate-resilient and environmentally sustainable Borno State.
Launching the 2026 National Tree Planting Campaign, the Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawan, praised Governor Zulum for combining tree planting with the provision of clean cooking alternatives.
“I want to say that this is the first time I have seen tree planting directly linked with practical alternatives. The governor is providing 5,000 clean cooking stoves to teachers. If you can take 5,000 households away from firewood, it is a major achievement, and I commend him for this initiative,” the minister said.
Lawan also announced the commencement of a nationwide campaign to plant four million tree seedlings.
“Today, we are launching the planting of four million seedlings provided by various organisations. I have also learnt that more than 20 million trees have already been planted in Borno State. This is highly commendable, and we will encourage other states to emulate Borno’s example,” he added.
The minister urged governments, schools, faith-based organisations, private sector groups, youth organisations, women and all Nigerians to embrace tree planting as a civic responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.
