As it is addressing the nagging problem of food insecurity, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is also working to battle the problem of desertification in the northern part of the country. This disclosure was made by a state official in Kebbi State.
The official, Musa Muhammad Tungulawa, who is the commissioner for environmental and mineral resources in Kebbi State said there are plans to plant 100,000 trees across the 21 local government areas of the state.
The effort, according to him, is part of plans to curb desert encroachment. This development was disclosed while briefing journalists on the need to arrest rising desertification in the state.
Tungulawa said the exercise had already begun on the major streets and highways in Birnin Kebbi metropolis as well as at the renovated state secretariat. However, while addressing the issue of desert encroachment, the government is also poised to use the opportunity to tend to economic development. He said that five hectares of land were allocated in each of the four emirates councils in the state for the planting of date trees to boost the economy.
He said, “We have started in Gwandu and Yauri and later on to Zuru and Argungu emirates.”
The commissioner added that a vast variety of seedlings has been procured, which will be provided to households and offices for planting across the state.
He emphasised the need for adequate nursing of trees by the beneficiaries, citing that environmental safety would provide shelter where people could live comfortably.
