Borno to tackle desertification with 10 million trees

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum on Tuesday unveiled a tree-planting drive by 2024 with 10 million mixed saplings aimed at controlling desertification in the state.

The largest tree-planting campaign in the history of Nigeria was launched at a ceremony at Kawuri village in Konduga Local Government Area of ​​the state.

Addressing the gathering, Zulum said apart from tree planting, his administration has taken several initiatives to reduce carbon emission into the atmosphere.

He said these initiatives include the purchase of electric vehicles and procurement of gas cylinders for distribution in eligible communities.

The governor said he has also set up an agency for the Great Green Wall to address the problem of desertification and maintain the ecosystem.

He assured of his administration’s commitment to protecting Borno’s deteriorating environment, which he said was being caused by poor rainfall.

Zulum, while strongly warning against felling of trees in Borno, directed the Secretary to the State Government to work with the State Assembly to develop measures that would plug the loopholes in the existing law on environment.

Also in his address, the Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Emmet Kiyose, appealed to non-governmental organisations, clubs, associations and the general public to collect various kinds of saplings from the ministry for planting.

Meanwhile, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall described Zulum as an environmental champion, and noted his administration’s significant achievements in addressing environmental issues.

Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, represented by the agency’s Director, Planning and Policy Coordinating, Hajiya Habiba Usman, stated this on Tuesday in Kawuri, Konduga Local Government Area of ​​the state.

“The agency is happy and elated to note that Borno is the first state in the country to implement the GGW Act by establishing the state agency and appointing a pioneer Director General,” Abu Bakar said.

He said, “NAGGW is, therefore, glad to be part of the tree planting drive as it not only complements the agency’s interventions but also demonstrates the commitment of the Borno State Government to address environmental challenges linked to land degradation and climate change.”