The Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum launched the State 2024, tree planting campaign with 10Million assorted seedlings to mitigate Climate change and desertification bedeviling the State.
The flagging off ceremony was conducted at Kawuri village in Konduga Local Government area of Borno State.
According to the Governor, the move is a step towards addressing environmental challenges in the State, ravaged by desertification and insurgency.
“we are committed to protecting our environment and promoting sustainable development, “Governor said.
“This tree-planting campaign is crucial to restoring our ecosystem and ensuring a sustainable future”.
The Governor also commended the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) team and the Ministry of Environment for fulfilling the target of 10M tree in 2024 and warns against the mass use of firewood from felling of trees, adding that his administration will work with the State Assembly to review the environmental law in other to punish those discriminating the environment unlawfully.
The Governor therefore directed each of the 27 Local Government will raise 300,000 trees to establish shelter belts in their respective areas and enjoined traditional leaders and communities to support the State government.
In his welcome address, the commissioner of Environment, Engr. Emet Kois said the Ministry had earmarked tree seedlings for distribution and appealed to non-governmental organization, clubs, associations to collect assorted seedlings from the ministry for planting.
Speaking also, the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has described Governor Babagana Umara Zulum as a champion of the environment, noting his administration significant achievement in addressing environmental issues.
Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Saleh Abubakar, was represented by the agency’s Director of Planning and Policy Coordination, Hajiya Habiba Usman, expressed the agency’s delight to note that Borno is the first state in the country to domesticate the GGW Act by establishing the pioneer Director General.
He added, “Thus, the NAGGW is glad to be part of the tree-planting campaign, as this not only complements the agency’s interventions, but also shows the Borno state commitment to addressing environmental challenges associated with land degradation and climate change”.
In a vote of thanks, the permanent secretary Ministry of Environment, Comrade Juliana Bitrus thanked His Excellency the Executive Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum for his support and commitment to address most of the environmental problems in the State.
Highlights of the occasion include drama presentation by the Art Council on danger of falling down trees and symbolic planting of tree seedlings by the Governor and other dignitaries.
6th August,2024
Communication officer
Borno ACReSAL.
Photos from Event
