Borno State launched a significant initiative aimed at combating climate change and promoting sustainable development.
The state’s response to pressing environmental challenges is being led by the newly established Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall (BOAGGW).
This agency, under the leadership of Ambassador Usman Aliyu, is spearheading efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change while enhancing the state’s resilience to natural disasters.
As part of this initiative, BOAGGW recently unveiled a fleet of locally made tricycles specifically designed to help nurture tree seedlings.
These tricycles are an integral part of a larger campaign to plant 10 million tree seedlings across Borno State.
The campaign was officially inaugurated earlier this year by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri.
During the campaign’s launch, Governor Zulum highlighted the critical importance of the project in addressing the environmental issues plaguing the state, such as desertification and flooding.
He tasked the BOAGGW with not only planting the seedlings but also ensuring their continued care and survival.
The governor emphasized that this long-term approach to tree planting and nurturing is essential for the state’s efforts to combat the impact of climate change.
The BOAGGW has already commenced its work, particularly in areas that have been severely affected by recent floods.
The agency has been active in planting various seedlings in flood-hit areas and distributing them to communities that were hardest hit by the natural disaster.
In addition to flood-prone areas, the agency is also focusing on schools in Maiduguri, helping to create greener environments for students and residents alike.
To further support these efforts, BOAGGW has designed innovative tricycles that are capable of carrying large water tanks.
These tricycles, built locally in Borno, can hold up to 1,200 liters of water, which will be used to irrigate and nurture the seedlings, ensuring they have a reliable water supply.
This innovation is expected to improve the chances of the seedlings’ survival, especially in the state’s arid regions.
As part of its ongoing campaign, BOAGGW has also distributed seedlings to communities that were devastated by the recent floods.
The Galtamari community received 70 seedlings, while the Gamboru communities were provided with 200 seedlings and protective barriers to help the young plants grow.
In addition, Borno State University (BOSU) received 100 seedlings, which were planted across its campus to provide much needed shade and alleviate the extreme heat during the hot season.
Ambassador Usman Aliyu, the head of BOAGGW, has called on community leaders, youth groups, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to join hands with the agency in supporting this climate initiative.
He stressed the importance of community participation in planting and nurturing the seedlings to ensure their survival and contribute to the overall success of the campaign.
In addition to tree planting, BOAGGW has been actively assisting communities affected by various natural disasters, providing both environmental support and relief to those in need.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in Borno’s efforts to combat climate change, restore the environment, and promote sustainable development in the state.