By Ahmad Alabira, Dutse
In a bid to combat desert encroachment, Jigawa state government has planted 5,000 Trees in Andaza in Kiyawa Local Government Area.
The state government has also prepared 5.5 million trees in it’s 2024 Tree planting campaign as part of measures to fight desertification, deforestation and environmental degradation among others.
This was contained in a press statement issued to SINL Nigeria Online on Wednesday by Hamisu Mohammed Gumel, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
The statement said the State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi revealed this during the official launch of the 2024 Tree Planting Campaign and the seedlings distribution event held at Andaza town in Kiyawa Local Government area of the state.
Namadi further emphasized the importance of tree planting in the state in order to address the adverse effects of human interference with the natural environment.
He also highlighted the negative consequences of desertification and the loss of forest reserves on environmental sustainability and livelihoods.
He therefore urged all citizens to take responsibility for protecting the environment and promoting eco-friendly initiatives.
“Protecting the environment has prominently featured as a key priority in our 12-Point Agenda.
“Our commitment to conservation and sustainable utilization of natural resources is evident through our afforestation and deforestation programs, as well as the enforcement of environmental protection legislation.
“Jigawa State Government has constructed approximately 20 kilometers of drainage systems and reclaimed 72 kilometers of eroded areas across various localities respectively,” Namadi stated.
The Governor explained that, as part of their efforts to safeguard the environment, they had constructed approximately 20 kilometers of drainages across the state.
He said as a result 72 kilometers of eroded areas in several affected villages and towns across the 27 local government areas of the state were reclaimed last year.
“We have completed most of these and others. In areas of flood mitigation, we have desilted 72 kilometers along the Hadejia River Channel from Gagiya in Guri Local Government to Wacakal in Yobe State.
“We are commitmented to expanding the ongoing environmental programs, including the production of 2.5 million tree seedlings annually.
“This year’s campaign exceeded expectations with the production and distribution of over 5.5 million assorted seedlings, first in the history of Jigawa State,” he said.
