By Yemi Olakitan
The Borno state government has said it will plant 1.2 million tree seedlings to combat erosion, desertification, and climate change in the state.
Inaugurating the 2023 tree planting initiative on Monday at the Borno State University Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri, Governor Babagana Zulum announced that during this year’s rainy season, 1.2 million saplings will be planted.
He stated that 10 million seedlings are anticipated to be planted the next year, of which 5 million are anticipated to be raised by the 27 local government councils and the other 5 million by the state government and other partners.
“Climate change, desert expansion, and erosion have been issues of great concern to the world and Borno state in particular,” said Governor Babagana Zulum.
The state government and other stakeholders must work together to stop the threat because both natural and man-made elements are contributing to climate change.
Related Posts
Zulum stated that he would shortly sign into law the Borno state penal code law, which has recently been revised and now carries stiffer penalties for anyone who indulge in tree failure.
“The Boko Haram conflict has destroyed 80% of village land; therefore, there is a need for coordinated measures to increase tree planting. In order to combat erosion, desert encroachment, and climate change, I thus implore non-governmental groups, cooperative organisations, clubs, and associations to plant trees around their offices, homes, and estates to act as wind breaks.”
He gave the state ministry of the environment the order to acquire and provide low energy serving alternatives and other devices to the residents of the local government areas, particularly in the local government areas of Guzamala, Malam Fatori, Marte, and Ngala.
The Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbsi elkanemi, also spoke, assuring the Borno state administration of the institution’s ongoing support.
In his welcome speech, the Borno state commissioner for the environment, Engr Mohammed Kois, emphasised the importance of planting trees as a strategy for combating environmental problems such as erosion, desertification, and climate change.
He urged all residents to plant at least one tree as a way to preserve their environment and fight these issues.
To gather seedlings for planting, he urged local government units, NGOs, cooperative organisations, and people to step forward.
