Jigawa State Governor, Mallam Umar Namadi, has paid a working visit to the headquarters of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, where he was received by the Director General, Dr. Maina Bukar, and his management team.
Governor Umar Namadi expressed his appreciation and commended the agency for its remarkable efforts in addressing various environmental challenges facing the country, including climate change, desertification, and deforestation.
He emphasized that Jigawa State is one of the 11 frontline states directly impacted by these challenges.
During the visit, Governor Umar Namadi highlighted areas in which the agency could assist Jigawa State. These include:
- Planting more economic trees to combat desertification.
- Supporting the promotion of dry land agriculture to strengthen food security and boost the rural economy through the provision of solar and motorized boreholes for dry season farming.
- Training youths and women in various livelihood activities.
- Providing training for farmers in climate-smart agriculture techniques and skills, as well as water irrigation technologies such as water boxes.
- Considering Jigawa State as a site for manufacturing water boxes.
- Assisting Jigawa State in establishing shelterbelts, which aligns with the government’s campaign promise.
Governor Namadi highlighted the critical importance of addressing the issue of access to clean water in certain areas of the state.
He mentioned that drilling wells in these regions is a significant challenge, as water sources are located approximately 90 meters below the surface. The governor stressed the need for alternative solutions to provide good water rights in these areas.
The governor also emphasized the significance of environmental conservation and pollution reduction. He emphasized the installation of solar street lights as an effective means to reduce pollution, particularly in schools.
Governor Umar Namadi called for increased adoption of solar street lights across the state, which would contribute to cleaner and healthier environments.
Furthermore, Governor Namadi drew attention to the pressing concern of river management. He highlighted the need for regular dredging and maintenance of rivers to ensure proper water flow. Neglecting these responsibilities has led to siltation and subsequent water loss in critical areas.
The governor stressed the importance of urgent action to address this issue, calling on the national agency to convey this message to the government and advocate for appropriate measures.
Governor Namadi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and productive discussions during his visit. He expressed confidence in the agency’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and emphasized the need for collaboration and support in implementing the proposed initiatives.
The governor believes that by working together, Jigawa State and the National Agency for the Great Green Wall can make significant progress in environmental conservation, sustainable agriculture, and the overall well-being of the state’s citizens.
In his response, the Director General of the NAGGW thanked Governor Namadi for the visit and said that Jigawa was one of the agency’s priority states in terms of intervention, especially because of the flooding disaster that recently affected the state.
He said that his agency will render expert advice and technical assistance in the critical areas mentioned by the governor.
Hamisu Mohammed Gumel
