By Faridat Salifu
Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi has revealed that the state had exceeded its annual goal by producing and distributing over 5.5 million assorted tree seedlings this year.
He praised the collaborative efforts of the national ACReSAL Project and the state SPMU for their vital role in advancing environmental, agricultural, and water resources development initiatives.
In an address to the state, the governor announced that over the past year, significant strides have been made in environmental infrastructure, including the construction of approximately 20 kilometres of drainage systems and the reclamation of 72 kilometres of eroded areas across various localities within the state’s 27 local government areas.
He emphasized that these efforts are crucial for flood mitigation and the restoration of affected communities.
He reaffirmed his administration’s strong commitment to environmental conservation, showcasing a range of initiatives that are part of the state’s comprehensive 12-Point Agenda aimed at sustainably managing natural resources.
“We have nearly completed most of these projects, with particular focus on desilting 72 kilometres along the Hadejia River Channel, extending from Gagiya in Guri Local Government to Wacakal in Yobe State,” said Governor Namadi.
On his part, Dr. Nura Ibrahim, State Commissioner for the Ministry of Environment and Chairman of the ACReSAL steering committee, underscored the importance of partnerships in enhancing tree planting campaigns.
“We can achieve far more through collaboration between the state government, ACReSAL, public and private sectors, civil society, and local communities,” he stated.
He also emphasized the need for international cooperation to address the global challenges of climate change and environmental degradation.
The achievements were further commended by Dr. Abdullahi Namadi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, along with Alhaji Yahaya Muhammad Ubah Kanfingana, Coordinator of the ACReSAL State Project Management Unit.
They praised the collective efforts of Governor Namad, the State Legislative and Executive councils, community-based organizations, and private nurseries, recognizing the significant contributions made by Golden Agri Input Flour Mills of Nigeria.
The state officials also expressed gratitude to international bodies such as the World Bank, the ACReSAL Project, and The Great Green Wall (GGW) project for their unwavering support in bolstering environmental resilience and enhancing Jigawa’s greenery.