Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has called for immediate action to combat desertification.
Zulum made the announcement at the official start of the Green Economic Summit in Niger.
He emphasized the importance of investing in technologies such as irrigation to slow the desert’s expansion, as well as cutting costs through innovative methods such as sprinkling irrigation.
Zulum also expressed his commitment to working with Niger to develop both countries, and he expanded the partnership’s scope 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.
According to Crediblenews, desertification affects between 50% and 75% of the Nigerian states of Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Crediblenews reports that, 11 Sahel-Saharan countries—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Mali, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Senegal—have joined forces to combat land degradation and restore native plant life to the landscape.
To combat the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss, the Sahel region of Africa is constructing an epic response: a “wall” of restored forests and lands stretching more than 8,000 kilometers across the continent. Crediblenews.ng