NAGGW commited to protecting natural resources, securing brighter future for generations-DG
By Admin
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has restated it’s commitment in countering the effects of desertification, protection of natural resources and securing a brighter future for generations to come.
The Director General of the Agency, Dr Yusuf Maina-Bukar stated this at the Northeast stakeholders forum on Monday in Kano.
Maina-Bukar noted that the Agency has the core mandates to combat land degradation, desertification and improve the resilience of affected communities to the impact of climate change.
Represented by Director resource mobilization, Alhaji Safiyanu Yabala, who described the theme”Building Multi-Stakeholders Responsiveness in the Implementation of the Great Green Wall Program in Nigeria” as apt, added that it reflects the commitment to fostering synergy and scaling-up activities within multi-level sectors and indigenous stakeholders.
“The vision of the Great Green Wall is to create a sustainable and productive landscape that not only restores degraded lands but also promotes community development, biodiversity conservation, and resilience against climate change.
“The program is not simply an ambitious project; it is Nigeria’s response to an urgent environmental and socio-economic crisis.
“Over the last few decades, the encroachment of the deserts has had a devastating impact on our communities, threatening the livelihoods of millions and exacerbating existing conflicts,” he said.
He implored indigenous stakeholders to actively participate in shaping the future of a greener environment and communities.
According to him, the voices and perspectives are of utmost importance as they seek to implement programs that are not only effective but also responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.
The agency boss further said that traditional knowledge, and cultural heritage were instrumental in guiding the actions towards sustainable land management and long-term resilience.
“Let today’s National Stakeholders Forum be a catalyst for heightened collaboration, increased synergy, and scaling-up of activities across the eleven frontline states.
“Together, we can build a resilient and productive landscape that will benefit both current and future generations. I have full confidence that, by working hand in hand, we will achieve our goals and make a lasting difference in the lives of our people,” he added.
Muhammad Faw, representative of Gombe state government said that the Gov. Muhammad Yahaya has signed a landmark contract agreement, valued at N12 billion aimed at addressing the menace of gully erosion, safeguarding lives and preserving the environment.
He said the project represents a vital step forward in the state’s collective resolve to restore the agricultural and environmental landscapes previously ravaged by gully erosion and environmental degradation.
Faw stressed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, citing initiatives like the Gombe Goes Green (3G) project, launched in 2019, aimed at combatting desertification, deforestation, and soil erosion through annual tree planting campaigns.
Hajiya Habiba Lau, Director Policy Planning and Coordination of the agency, , said the event was critical for the agency in the life span of it’s activities across the nation.
She said that the core of the Nigerian component of the Great Green Wall Initiative, was reversing desertification, land degradation, and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Lau urged the participants to come up with ways the agency would use to bring development at the grassroot level.
In his presentation, the Deputy Vice Chencellor, academic,Federal University, Durtse,Prof Nura Sani, urged the participants to exploit ideas and share knowledge on how to combat desertification, land degradation, and mitigating the effects of climate.
He commended the agency for engaging the Federal University Dutse, CSO’s and CBO’s in the Great Green Wall project.
Sani lauded the agency for planting trees which increases soil fertility, serving as wind break, and also creating employment for locals.