Yobe-Based Grassroots NGO Links Environmental Action with Peacebuilding Efforts

By Ibraheem El-Tafseer  A locally driven non-governmental organisation, Make Yobe Green and Safe (MYGS), is quietly transforming lives and l...

By Ibraheem El-Tafseer 

A locally driven non-governmental organisation, Make Yobe Green and Safe (MYGS), is quietly transforming lives and landscapes in Yobe State through a unique blend of environmental sustainability and community empowerment.

Founded in 2020 by Abubakar Abdulmusawwir, MYGS emerged at a time when Yobe, like much of North-East Nigeria, continues to battle with insecurity, poverty, energy challenges and environmental degradation. The organisation’s mission goes beyond traditional environmental advocacy; it integrates climate action with peacebuilding and economic empowerment, particularly for vulnerable populations.

At the heart of MYGS’s work is a commitment to reducing the vulnerability of young people and at-risk communities who might otherwise be drawn into criminal activities or insurgent groups. By creating green jobs and promoting sustainable livelihoods, the organisation provides practical alternatives that foster dignity and self-reliance.

One of its flagship initiatives is plastic waste recycling. MYGS has established collection and recycling centres where plastic waste is bought and sold, turning what was once environmental pollution into a source of income. Through this initiative, community members, especially youths and women, are trained on recycling techniques and how to monetise waste, thereby contributing to both environmental cleanliness and household income.

In addition to waste management, the organisation actively promotes tree planting, green education and peace studies. These programs are designed not only to combat climate change but also to instil values of coexistence and resilience in communities affected by conflict. Their outreach extends to schools and local groups, where awareness campaigns are conducted to educate citizens on environmental responsibility and sustainable living.

MYGS is also exploring sustainable energy solutions, including solar adaptation projects, aimed at addressing the region’s persistent energy deficit. These efforts are gradually improving living conditions while reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources.

Observers note that the organisation’s integrated approach, linking environmental sustainability with economic empowerment and peacebuilding, is both innovative and timely. In a region where instability often feeds on poverty and lack of opportunity, initiatives like those of MYGS offer a pathway to long-term stability.

However, despite its impact, MYGS operates with limited visibility and resources. There is a growing need for government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and development partners to recognise and support such grassroots efforts. Increased funding, partnerships and public awareness could significantly scale up their interventions and amplify their impact.

As Nigeria continues to confront intertwined challenges of insecurity and environmental decline, organisations like Make Yobe Green and Safe deserve not only recognition but active encouragement and patronage. Their work stands as a testament to the power of local solutions in addressing global problems.