Authorities in Taraba State, Northeast of Nigeria have taken public enlightenment campaigns to the people, on the dangers posed to the environment and ecosystem by illegal mining and deforestation activities.
Governor Agbu Kefas is therefore tasking the citizens on their responsibilities of protecting and preserving the ecosystem by stopping deforestation and illegal mining activities in their localities.
The Governor was speaking at an awareness campaign march organised by the State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change to draw public awareness to the shift in the state’s climate as a result of what officials attribute to illegal deforestation and mining activities.
Governor Agbu Kefas, represented by his Deputy, Aminu Alkali charged Taraba citizens on their responsibilities to the environment, adding that the State Government will see to the implementation of environmental laws in the State.
He emphasized that citizens must be mindful of the dangers posed by environment-degrading activities, as the State battles to control massive illegal deforestation and mining going on in parts of the State, which is beginning to take its toll on the ecosystem.
MUST READ: Gov. Mbah Promises Conducive Business Climate
The sensitization Road walk which was led by the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Aisha Abdulaziz, saw hundreds of residents march through major streets of the State capital before terminating at the Taraba State Government House.
According to the Environment and Climate Change Commissioner, the “earth is bleeding and human activities are to be blamed”.
Aisha Abdulaziz said the Ministry is targeting to plant at least 5,000 trees across the State, and advised residents on ways to address environmental hazards faced by the State.
Experts note that Taraba State in the Northeast part of Nigeria has of late suffered severe environmental disasters such as flooding, erosion, and desert encroachment, which they have blamed on massive environmental degradation activities across the State.
Editor: Ken Eseni