Indiscriminate Tree Felling, Responsible For Flood, Erosion, Others, ZAWFOG Warns

*Says deforestation violates Qur’anic teachings on environmental protection

*Launches green campaign in Gombe

By; ABUBAKAR RABILU, Gombe

The Zakah and Waqf Foundation of Gombe (ZAWFOG) has condemned the rising trend of indiscriminate tree felling in the state, warning that it is accelerating climate-related disasters such as flooding, erosion, and food insecurity.

Speaking at the launch of its 7th Annual Tree Waqf Campaign in Majidadi, Shongom LGA, the foundation’s chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido, said deforestation violates Qur’anic teachings on environmental protection and constitutes a form of corruption on earth.

“Cutting trees without planting new ones is an act of destruction. Islam teaches us to preserve creation, and planting a tree is an act of worship and charity,” he said.

The Tree Waqf Campaign, now in its seventh year, promotes tree planting as sadaqah jariyah (continuous charity).

This year, the foundation is distributing thousands of seedlings including mango, guava, moringa, eucalyptus, and mahogany free of charge to households, mosques, and schools.

Majidadi was selected due to recent floods and storms that exposed the community’s vulnerability caused by the loss of natural vegetation.

The Village Head of Majidadi, Alhaji Adamu Madugu, praised the initiative and introduced a local bylaw:

“Anyone who cuts a tree must plant two. Neglecting seedlings is unacceptable.”

ZAWFOG has partnered with environmental and development groups like Gombe Goes Green, ACReSal, and Mahadi Foundation, and the campaign has reached eight LGAs so far.

The foundation is also engaging imams to deliver Friday sermons on environmental responsibility, and a public lecture is scheduled at Gombe Central Mosque.

ZAWFOG’s Director of Women Affairs, Malama Maryam Yaya, urged women to grow backyard crops like zogale (moringa), pepper, and herbs to promote nutrition and reduce pressure on forests.

The event ended with a symbolic tree planting at Majidadi Hospital led by key community and religious leaders.

ZAWFOG said that its faith-based approach is helping to restore both land and conscience “one tree at a time.”