By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
In a bid to tackle the pressing issues of desertification and environmental degradation, the Borno State Government has launched an ambitious tree planting campaign aimed at nurturing 10 million seedlings for distribution across the state’s 27 local government areas.
NATIONAL ACCORD reports that the initiative, spearheaded by Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, aims to restore the state’s ecosystem and promote environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the 2024 World Environment Day commemoration, Acting Governor Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur represented by Commissioner of Environment Hon. Engr. Mohammed Emet Kois, said the ministry of environment has developed a portal for recording and monitoring the tree planting campaign towards ensuring the realization of the project.
Hon. Kadufur emphasized the government’s commitment to controlling ecological and environmental sanitation issues, including WASH and hygiene, with the support of humanitarian and development partners.
“We are committed to controlling ecological and environmental sanitation issues, including WASH and hygiene, with the support of humanitarian and development partners,” said Hon. Kadafur.
“We appreciate the role and support of humanitarian and development partners and the ministry as well as BOSEPA, ministry of water resources and agriculture, and relevant age cues and boards in improving the environment to boost food production and forestation.
“We are willing to support and continue to partner with all stakeholders in the environment to restore, preserve, converse, and develop the land and environment, which is a global requirement,” he assured.
The governor reiterated the government’s intention and plans in the green area project, pointing out that it is a unique project for all at all levels where trees must be planted at every nook and cranny of the communities for health, cleanliness, environment, and agricultural purposes, among others.
UNICEF Chief of Field Office Phuong T.Nguyen, in her remarks, said since its inception in 1973, the World Environment Day has become the largest global platform for environmental outreach, engaging millions across the world in a united effort to protect our planet.
She added that the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, led by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organisation called for a global movement to restore ecosystems, pointing out that, this initiative aims to gather political support, scientific research, and financial resources to scale up restoration efforts worldwide.
According to her, here in Borno State, the challenges we face are acute. Children in Nigeria, particularly in the Chad Basin region, are increasingly exposed to the adverse effects of climate change, including flooding, drought, and rising temperatures.
She, however, commended the state government’s efforts.in tackling climate change, saying, “This initiative is a step in the right direction. We urge support for the Youth for Climate Action in Nigeria (YOU-CAN) initiative, which aims to plant and nurture one million trees by 2030.”
Expert, however , warned that desertification and drought pose significant threats to global security, with Nigeria losing approximately 350,000 square kilometers of landmass to desert encroachment.
“Desertification places some one billion people in 110 countries at risk,” said Dr. Gabriel Igbe Akeh of Ramat Polytechnic Maiduguri.
“In developing countries, desertification affects some one billion people in 110 countries,” added Akeh. “Without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarter of the world’s population by 2050.”
The event highlighted the need for collective action to address environmental challenges, and stakeholders pledged to work together to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Highlights of the event were technical paper presentations, a draft presentation on Borno State’s Climate Action Plan, drama and poetic performances by students, and a group photograph.
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