By Abdullahi Lukman
Amb. Usman Aliyu MNE, the Director-General of the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall, has announced the extension of the agency’s afforestation efforts to Maduganari Bypass and Muhammad Indimi Road in Maiduguri.
This new phase is part of the ongoing commitment to restore and protect the environment, with a focus on combating desertification and promoting sustainability across the region.
The afforestation project, which aims to address desert encroachment, improve air quality, and restore degraded land, will enhance Maiduguri’s landscape and contribute long-term ecological benefits.
These include increased shade, improved soil fertility, and reduced erosion, aligning with the state’s broader environmental policies aimed at building climate resilience.
Amb. Aliyu expressed his strong commitment to climate action, emphasizing that environmental work must be constant: “There is no weekend in climate action.”
His statement reflects the urgency of the initiative and highlights the need for continuous efforts to address environmental challenges.
The expansion has been met with support from local communities and environmental stakeholders, who recognize the initiative’s importance in tackling the severe climatic conditions faced by Northeast Nigeria.
The Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall is actively involving residents in the tree-planting process, creating a sense of shared responsibility for the region’s future.
The agency is also urging residents to take ownership of the newly planted trees, with Amb. Aliyu stressing that the success of the initiative depends on community involvement.
“We urge every resident to see these trees as a vital resource that must be nurtured,” he said, emphasizing the role of public participation in sustaining the environment.
Environmental advocates have also pointed out that while planting trees is a crucial first step, ensuring their survival requires ongoing care and attention.
Related Posts
Residents have been encouraged to water the trees, protect them from damage, and prevent illegal cutting.
“Planting trees is just the beginning; ensuring they grow to maturity is the real challenge,” noted a local volunteer coordinator.
The success of the afforestation efforts is particularly important in Borno, where deforestation due to firewood collection, urbanization, and security challenges has severely impacted the environment.
Without adequate tree cover, the state faces threats such as rising temperatures, reduced soil fertility, and further desert encroachment.
In response, residents have taken proactive steps, with some forming community groups to adopt and care for trees in their neighborhoods.
One youth leader in Jere expressed optimism, saying, “We’ve decided to adopt trees on our street, and each household will take turns watering them.
We believe this will make a real difference in the long run.”
Despite challenges such as harsh climate conditions and limited water access, the initiative continues to gain traction.
Experts stress that the survival of trees depends on sustained public engagement, government support, and continuous education.
“It’s not just about planting trees; it’s about ensuring they thrive,” said a forestry officer in Borno.
The Green Wall initiative in Borno is part of larger efforts at both the national and global levels to combat desertification, enhance climate resilience, and restore degraded ecosystems.
By fostering community participation and emphasizing the long-term benefits of a greener environment, the project is helping secure a more sustainable future for the region.
