On Tuesday, Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum launched the state’s 2024 tree-planting exercise with 10 million assorted seedlings aimed at combating desertification,leadership reports.
This historic tree-planting campaign, the largest in Nigeria’s history, commenced in Kawuri Village, Konduga local government area.
During his address, Zulum emphasized that alongside tree planting, his administration had implemented various initiatives to reduce carbon emissions. These initiatives include the procurement of electric vehicles and gas cylinders for distribution to deserving communities.
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Zulum also mentioned the establishment of an agency dedicated to the Great Green Wall to tackle desertification and preserve the ecosystem. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Borno’s environment, which has been experiencing reduced rainfall.
The governor issued a strong warning against tree cutting in Borno and directed the Secretary to the State Government to collaborate with the State House of Assembly to amend existing environmental laws.
In his welcome speech, the state’s Commissioner for Environment, Engr Emet Kiose, urged non-governmental organizations, clubs, associations, and the public to collect assorted seedlings from the ministry for planting.
The event was attended by APC’s Deputy National Chairman Ali Bukar Dalori, House of Representatives member Bukar Talba, representative of the Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly Engr Abdullahi Askira, Secretary to the State Government Bukar Tijani, Head of Service Barrister Malam Fannami, and other senior government officials.
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) commended Governor Zulum for his environmental efforts. The agency’s Director-General and CEO, Saleh Abubakar, represented by Director of Planning and Policy Coordination Hajiya Habiba Usman, praised Borno as the first state to domesticate the GGW Act by establishing a state agency and appointing its pioneer Director General.
Abubakar stated, “The NAGGW is pleased to participate in the tree-planting campaign, which not only complements our interventions but also demonstrates the Borno State Government’s dedication to addressing environmental challenges related to land degradation and climate change.”
