Two governors from the north-east region have pledged their support to the federal government’s Great Green Wall (GGW) project in the 11 frontline states to mitigate the sinister impact of desertification in Nigeria.
The governors, Dr. AbdulazezShettima of Zamfarastate and his colleague Saidu Dakingari of Kebbi State, affirmed their commitment when the Environment Minister, Mrs. LaurentiaMallam paid them courtesy calls in their respective state capitals.
Accordingly, four traditional rulers from the two states namely, SarkinKatsinaGusau (Emir of Gusau), AlhajiKabir Muhammad Danbaba (Emir of MaruBanaga), AlhajiAbubakar Chika Ibrahim and the Emir of Gwandu, AlhajiMohammaduIlyiasu also threw their weight behind the GGW project and pledged to mobilise their subjects in their respective domains to immediately commence tree planting to ensure the success of the programme.
The minister recently embarked on a week- long massive environmental sensitisation campaign of the north-east geopolitical zone to canvass support for the GGW project which is dear to President Goodluck Jonathan’s transformation agenda for the environment sector.
While at the palace of the Emir of Gusau, Mrs. Mallam told the royal leader that no community or individual will lose a grain of soil to the federal government or anyone as a result of the GGW project, insisting that government will execute the project in liaison with the communities and hand over to the respective owners of the land for permanent ownership and full economic benefits.
MrsMallamwho appealed to the royal fathers to help sensitise the people under their leadership on the positive impact of the project, tasked them to educate the people on the importance of taking ownership of the project.
Governor SaiduDakangari was full of praises for the federal government, stating that his state is actively making its contribution to the project in terms of the provision of boreholes, orchards, nursery beds as well as materials, and seedlings.
The governor also informed Mrs. Mallam that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has already been carried out in all areas to be affected by the project, while forest and night guards have been employed to protect the already four kilometer shelter belt that have been achieved in the state under the GGW programme.