By Abbas Nazil
Alighting at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Fanisau, Dutse, Jigawa State, I was struck by the lush greenery surrounding the camp.
Among the tree species I identified were Tectona grandis, Azadirachta indica, Ficus doniana, Diospyros mespiliformis, and Adansonia digitata.
This sight was in stark contrast to the barren landscape of Jigawa, where vegetation is sparse due to its semi-arid climate.
The difference in environmental management between regions was evident, raising concerns about deforestation and land degradation.
The journey had begun on the morning of January 22, 2025, from Okene, Kogi State, with the expectation of reaching my destination in approximately ten hours.
However, the road conditions made travel arduous. Kogi’s terrain, marked by patches of poorly maintained roads, slowed us down significantly.
The extensive deforestation along the highways, coupled with ongoing road expansion projects, contributed to dust haze so thick that all vehicles had to turn on their headlights for visibility.
Passengers, including myself, were forced to wear face masks to filter the dust, yet persistent coughing was unavoidable.
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The environmental impact of road construction without adequate erosion control and afforestation measures was glaring, making me question whether our development efforts are mitigating or exacerbating climate change.
A fellow passenger, Alhaji Ahmed Dala, a seasoned traveler to Kogi State, lamented its stagnation over the past two decades.
I agreed, citing the unfulfilled promises of economic growth under former Governor Yahaya Bello, including the abandoned airport project, stalled sea dredging, and lack of foreign investments.
These setbacks have left Kogi grappling with poverty, poor infrastructure, and impassable roads. Our journey through the state took an exhausting six hours—more than half of the total trip—due to these conditions.
Another passenger, however, defended Kogi’s progress, pointing to the establishment of Confluence University of Science and Technology.
Yet, concerns over the university’s porous security, which has led to student kidnappings, undermined his argument.
As we traversed Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, the scenery evolved. Entering Jigawa, the arid environment became prominent, with fewer trees and dry, open spaces.
The lack of vegetation underscored the challenges of desert encroachment, a growing concern in northern Nigeria.
However, the presence of tree plantations at the NYSC camp in Fanisau was a refreshing sight, demonstrating efforts in afforestation and environmental management.
This journey highlighted the urgent need for sustainable development—balancing infrastructure growth with environmental conservation to combat climate change.
