In a bid to control desertification in Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum unveiled a tree-planting exercise for 2024, aiming to plant 10 million assorted seedlings, marking the largest tree-planting campaign in Nigeria’s history. The kickoff ceremony took place at Kawuri village in Konduga Local Government Area.
During his address, Governor Zulum highlighted that apart from the tree-planting initiative, his administration had introduced various measures to reduce carbon emissions, including the procurement of electric vehicles and gas cylinders for distribution in deserving communities.
He also mentioned the establishment of an agency for the Great Green Wall to combat desertification and maintain the ecosystem, emphasizing his government’s dedication to safeguarding Borno’s deteriorating environment, which has led to decreased rainfall.
Governor Zulum issued a stern warning against tree felling in Borno and instructed the Secretary to the Government to collaborate with the state House of Assembly to improve the existing environmental legislation.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Environment, Engineer Emet Kiose, urged NGOs, clubs, associations, and the general public to obtain assorted seedlings from the ministry for planting.
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall commended Governor Zulum as an environmental advocate for his government’s remarkable efforts in tackling environmental issues. The Director-General of NAGGW, Saleh Abubakar, represented by Hajiya Habiba Usman, the agency’s Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, conveyed this message in Konduga Local Government Area.
Abubakar acknowledged Borno as the first state in the country to implement the GGW Act by establishing the state agency and appointing the inaugural Director-General. He praised the tree-planting campaign as a collaborative effort that aligns with the agency’s initiatives and underscores the Borno State Government’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges associated with land degradation and climate change.