By Femi Ogunshola
Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno has called for urgent action to combat desertification.
Zulum made the call during the official launch of the Green Economic Summit in Niger.
He emphasised the need for investments in technologies like irrigation to curb the desert’s expansion, mentioning the importance of reducing costs through innovative methods like sprinkling irrigation.
Zulum also expressed his commitment to partnering with Niger in the development of both states and extended the partnership’s reach to benefit the entire Northern region.
Sen. Abdullahi Sabi, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security commended the Gov of Niger State, Mohammed Bago’s vision for transforming the state’s economy.
He also acknowledged the profound impact of the green economy initiative.
Former Governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu, commended Zulum for his efforts in returning displaced Borno residents to their homes.
He echoed the summit’s significance in addressing desertification and promoting responsible governance.
Aliyu urged Bago to persevere, emphasising the need to empower farmers, protect forests, and plant trees to ensure a sustainable green economy in Niger State.
He called on all people of Niger to join the cause for a greener and brighter future.
NAN reports that it has been estimated that between 50 per cent and 75 per cent of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara States in Nigeria are being affected by desertification.
NAN also reports that 11 countries in the Sahel-Sahara region—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal—have joined to combat land degradation and restore native plant life to the landscape.
To tackle the impacts of climate change and biodversity loss, the countries of Africa’s Sahel region are mounting an epic response: a “wall” of restored forests and lands stretching more than 8,000 km across the continent. (NAN)
