The Petroleum Environmental Solid Minerals Degradation Awareness Association (PESMDAA) has pledged to deepen advocacy for sustainable environmental practices in Yobe State.
It also commits to combating illegal mining and exploitation activities.
The National Chairman of the association, Dr Robert Adah, made the pledge at the inauguration of the association’s new executive leadership in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.
Adah, represented by Mr. Muhammad Mustapha, an engineer, described the occasion as reaffirmation of the association’s dedication to service, unity and national development.
He said “this moment marks, not just a ceremonial milestone, but renewed commitment to addressing environmental challenges affecting our communities.”
He highlighted key achievements by the association in the past year to include successful negotiation with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
According to him, the negotiation aims to introduce special identification stamp and stipend for members across the 774 local government areas in the country.
He said the association had carried out diplomatic engagements with embassies to foster partnerships in security, capacity building and community outreach, as well as proposed a nationwide tree planting campaign to promote environmental sustainability.
He added that “in our contribution to national revenue, we have enhanced compliance support and transparency, while also prioritising training for taskforce members to ensure professionalism and effectiveness.”
The Yobe Commissioner for PESMDAA, Mr. Abdullahi Guda, said that the newly inaugurated executive has a critical role in mobilising the taskforce to confront environmental exploitation, illegal mining and degradation.
Guda said such activities posed significant threats to public health, biodiversity, the economy and climate stability.
He stressed that PESMDAA remained committed to raising awareness and amplifying the voices of affected communities.
He said “we must fight for transparency, accountability and the right of every citizen to safe and healthy environment.”
In a goodwill message, the Yobe Commissioner of Police, Mr. Emanuel Ado, underscored the importance of information sharing and security collaboration.
Ado, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sama’ila Saleh, noted that illegal mining and environmental degradation were contributing to economic hardship, displacement, and even conflict in affected areas.
He said “the challenges facing our environment are linked to broader issues such as desert encroachment, food insecurity and communal tensions.”
He called for closer cooperation among researchers, local authorities and security agencies to ensure safe and coordinated environmental interventions.
The commissioner urged the association to support grassroots sensitisation, tree planting initiatives and school-based environmental programmes to reclaim degraded landscapes and promote sustainable practices.
By Ahmed Abba