The Gombe State Football Association (FA), in collaboration with the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (AcreSAL) Project and the Gombe Goes Green (3G) Initiative, flagged off a tree planting campaign ahead of the final matches of the maiden Gombe State Inter-Security Agencies Football Competition.
The campaign featured tree planting activities at the Gombe State Police Headquarters, the NDLEA Rehabilitation Centre, and the Nigeria Correctional Service Headquarters. In addition, all participating security agencies are to receive 240 seedlings each for further planting across their respective formations.
Aminu Maigari Malala, the Climate Change Officer who represented AcreSAL Project Coordinator Dr. Sani Adamu Jauro, said the project goes beyond planting.
“We are using trees to mitigate the rate of climate change. It’s not just about planting but maintenance,” he emphasized.
The event was attended by top representatives of the security agencies involved in the football tournament.
Speaking on behalf of the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, Muhammad Bashir Mustapha, said the command appreciates the initiative.
“We deeply appreciate and promise you that we will do our work to maintain and nurture these trees,” he assured.
Similarly, Gombe State NDLEA Commandant, Bello Mathew Tsaniya, applauded the organisers for what he described as a timely and valuable environmental intervention.
“We need trees around, and they are very important. They will protect us against strong winds,” he stated.
“Maintaining the trees becomes necessary, and we’ll give them all the attention that will help them grow. I congratulate the FA and partners on this initiative. At least we can go around later and award those who were able to maintain their own.”
He added:
“I want to appreciate AcreSAL, the FA, and the organisers for choosing the NDLEA to give us an everlasting gift. We would do our best to take care of these trees and nurture them for the benefit of Gombe State and the world in general.”
On his part, the Gombe State Commandant of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Abdullahi Salisu, expressed gratitude for being included in the campaign.
“Thank you for recognising us and bringing tree planting to us. It’s a very good thing, especially the economic trees. We may not be around to benefit, but those coming will benefit, and we pray to get the rewards,” he said.
He also praised the initiative for promoting collaboration among security outfits.
“Football is a very good avenue for unity. We do not know each other in the sister security agencies, but with this initiative, we hope to know each other and collaborate well. I want to thank AcreSAL for always being supportive.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Colonel Abdullahi Bello (Rtd), pledged the state government's support for such collaborations.
“I would like to appreciate the FA for coming up with this initiative, and I want to assure you that Gombe State is ready to work with all security agencies to ensure the security of the state.”
Earlier, the Gombe State FA Chairman, Yakubu Sarma, highlighted the broader vision behind the tournament.
“We came up with the Inter-Security tournament to create synergy between security agencies,” he said.
“After all the matches played, we feel it is important that we do something that can help in sustaining the environment, looking at how we are being affected by climate change.”
The final is scheduled for Saturday 2/08/2025 at the Pantami Stadium. The Nigeria Police will face the NDLEA in the final match by 3pm, while the third-place playoff between the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Correctional Service will take place by 1pm.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya is expected as the special guest and will perform a ceremonial tree planting at the stadium before kickoff.
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