By Oduyemi Odumade
In a ground breaking move aimed at enhancing environmental sustainability and promoting a greener future, Governor Muhammed Umar-Bago of Niger State has issued the first ever executive order on tree planting directing all Niger State residents to plant a tree.
Governor Umar-Bago who reeled out the executive order at the Green Economy summit in Minna expressed his administration’s readiness to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, directed all Niger State residents to plant a tree.
“We need to educate our people for them to understand the comparative advantage of doing a green economy, we have to be realistic”.
“Everybody as a state policy, plant one tree in your compound. So if we have 10 million houses, it means we have just planted 10 million trees but people need to understand the positivity of this”.
The Governor also disclosed the sum of N3.5 billion incentive to 1,000 youths as part of measures aimed at boosting agricultural development in the State.
“So, I’m also on behalf of every Local Government pledging the sum of N100 million each into this fund. So, as a government we have a seed money of N3.5 billion for people to enroll back into farming for a sustainable future.
In the bid to fasttrack the initiative, he disclosed that all Local Government Secretariats will establish an Extension Colleges and Nursery to be located on between 2 to 3 hectares of land within each Local Government where the trees will first germinate and be later transferred.
To ensure sustainability of such novel initiative, he underscored the need for the Federal Government and key institutions like Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), TETfund and other stakeholders to key into the initiative as a renaissance for Nigeria.
On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas noted that the summit provides a major milestone in the collective determination to promote sustainable development and tackle the challenges of caused by climate change.
Represented by Majority Chief Whip, Usman Kumo, Dr. Abbas averred that it is a significant event that promotes and highlights the potential of green technology, renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism in Niger State.
“Transitioning to a green economy requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses strong political will, effective governance, collaboration among stakeholders, an enabling environment, and alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“We must enact legislations that promote renewable energy development, establishes green financing mechanisms, and encourages the adoption of eco-friendly technologies. Additionally, we should invest in education and capacity-building programs to equip our citizens with the skills needed for a green economy”.
“Policymakers therefore, have a responsibility to create an enabling environment that incentivizes sustainable practices and supports green businesses. Niger State, is on the right trajectory in taking bold steps to green its economy and make it more resilient, inclusive, and prosperous. By launching the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint today, the state is setting an example for the rest of the country on how to harness green assets and innovation for sustainable development,” Speaker Abbas noted.
Edited By Grace Namiji
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