The Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam, has lauded the activities of the National Agency for Great Green Wall (NAGGW) for its efforts, including provision of improved seedlings to communities affected by desertification.
Mallam who made the commendation at a one-day Stakeholders forum organised by NAGGW in Katsina state recently, said that the efforts of the Agency through activities such as shelterbelt development, provision of alternative cooking devices to the rural communities, provision of water to the communities within the GGW corridor, Development and management of orchards and other lively activities,
In a statement issued by Larai Daze, Press Officer, NAGGW, the Minister who was represented by Mr Ado Saminu, coordinator of the Afforestation Programme Coordinating Unit (APCU) Kano, said that the forum with its composition of researchers, farmers, extension workers, policy makers from the three tiers of Government and other relevant interest groups from commerce and industries makes it an interesting and special forum.
She said the launching provides opportunities for all stakeholders to explore ways of sustaining the GGW programme, stressing that collaboration needs to be strengthened, information shared widely and activities to be done frequently to realize synergies from the investments both from individuals. According to her, these will address land degradation, provide job opportunities and generally enhance the economic activities of the affected communities.
The Minister said the GGW programme is a holistic approach been undertaking by the present administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in which stakeholders are encouraged to contribute their own quota through popular participation. She urged the forum to be all participative, and come up with approaches for the betterment of the Nigerian populace.
