The Kebbi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing necessary support to the National Agency for the Great Green Wall Project ensuring the smooth implementation of the Integrated Dryland Ecosystem Rehabilitation, Regeneration, and Conservation in the state.
State Deputy Governor, Senator Umar Abubakar Tafida, gave the assurance in Birnin Kebbi while receiving a powerful team from the National Agency for the Great Green Wall and United Nations Environment Programme, led by Director of Afforestation and Land Management of the Agency, Ahmed Majidadi Bagudo.
He said the state government will honor the Agency’s request to issue a Project Commitment Letter, allocate suitable land parcels for ecosystem restoration and demonstration plots, and direct relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to collaborate with the project team.
In a speech welcoming the team to the state, the Deputy Governor said the program, if implemented, would address ecological challenges and promote sustainable development in the state.
The Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to the Agency and its partners for choosing Kebbi state for this initiative, which is expected to have a meaningful impact on the region.
He explained that the project will focus on five Local Government Areas in Kebbi State, namely Arewa, Argungu, Augie, Bunza, and Dandi, were selected based on ecological vulnerability, community needs, and strategic importance.
The Deputy Governor lauded the Project which aims to restore degraded lands, promote ecological resilience, enhance community engagement, and foster sustainable land management practices.
According to the Deputy Governor, the visit of the Agency’s team is expected to pave the way for further strategic collaboration and productive partnership between the Kebbi State Government, NAGGW, and UNEP. With collective expertise and commitment, stakeholders are optimistic that the project will achieve its objectives, benefiting the people of Kebbi State and beyond.
Earlier in his address, the Leader of the team, Ahmed Majidadi Bagudo, who represented Director General of the Agency, said they were in the state for the implementation of the IDERRCN project.
He stated that the United Nations chose Nigeria to start the program, with Kebbi State as the first focal point targeting five local government areas of Argungu, Arewa, Augie, Dandi and Bunza.
He added that approximately 900,000 to 1,000,000 people would benefit from the program, aimed at combating desert encroachment
worldwide.
(Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe)
