…Foundation links deforestation to climate crises, urges tree planting as perpetual charity
From Abubakar Rabilu Gombe
The Zakah and Waqf Foundation of Gombe (ZAWFOG) has raised concern over the rising rate of indiscriminate tree felling across Gombe State, warning that the practice is worsening climate change impacts and threatening livelihoods.
Speaking at the launch of the 7th Annual Tree Waqf Campaign in Majidadi, Shongom Local Government Area, the Foundation’s Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido, described the cutting of trees without replacement as “environmental corruption” that violates Qur’anic teachings on preserving nature.
“Trees purify the air, cool the climate, and sustain life. When we destroy them recklessly, we are not just harming the land but committing an act of corruption condemned by Allah,” Dr. Lamido said.
The campaign, which frames tree planting as sadaqah jariyah (continuous charity), aims to restore degraded lands by distributing thousands of seedlings—including mango, guava, cashew, moringa, eucalyptus, and mahogany—to households, schools, mosques, and public spaces free of charge.
ZAWFOG has over the years partnered with environmental groups like Gombe Goes Green, ACReSal, and Mahadi Foundation, and has received support from traditional rulers and Islamic scholars. The initiative has reached eight local government areas, with Majidadi chosen this year following floods and storms linked to massive deforestation.
Village Head of Majidadi, Alhaji Adamu Madugu, decried the destruction caused by tree cutting, noting that recent floods had displaced residents and washed away farmlands.
“We can no longer watch our land disappear. Anyone who cuts down a tree in Majidadi must plant two. Neglecting a seedling is an offense against our progress,” he declared.
The campaign also features Friday sermons, public lectures, advocacy visits, and media programmes aimed at discouraging indiscriminate felling and promoting sustainable planting.
Addressing women, ZAWFOG’s Director of Women Affairs, Malama Maryam Yaya, urged them to cultivate backyard crops such as zogale (moringa), pepper, and herbs to reduce pressure on natural forests while supporting family nutrition.
The event concluded with symbolic tree planting at Majidadi Hospital by Dr. Lamido, Alhaji Madugu, and other community and religious leaders.
According to ZAWFOG, combating deforestation through faith-driven action can “turn every seedling into an ongoing charity and transform bare land into forests of mercy and reward.”