Bauchi state government on Thursday sensitized traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the grassroots on their roles in the fight against desert encroachment, deforestation, erosion and flooding in the state.
Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ engagement, the state governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed said the meeting is to seek for active participation of traditional rulers in the implementation of programmes on addressing environmental challenges.
The governor described traditional institutions and other stakeholders at the grassroots as critical partners in assisting the state to implement its policies especially the Bauchi State/FGN/AfDB Supported Inclusive Basic Service Delivery and Livelihood Empowerment Integrated Program (BSDLEIP).
Represented by the Commissioner for Environment and Housing, Honorable Hamisu Mu’azu Shira, Governor Bala Mohammed said already his administration is working with the State House of Assembly to come up with a bill that will address the challenges identified in environmental management.
“I am highly delighted to be at this very and timely stakeholders’ engagement on Desert Encroachment, Deforestation, Erosion and Flooding in Bauchi State. I must appreciate the partnership between the State Government and the AfDB and that is yielding positive outcomes.
“Because of our good working relationship with development partners, Bauchi will soon benefit from a new project which will contribute significantly in reducing and controlling environmental challenges.”
The governor who directed the local government chairmen to work assiduously in the implementation of the action plan promised that his administration will continue to free resources so as to overcome the numerous challenges affecting the progress and development of the state.
The Director-General, State Environmental Protection Agency (BASEPA), Dr Ibrahim Kabir appealed to the participants to be an agent in the control of environmental challenges by giving their input in the formulation of environmental policies.
Traditional rulers at the stakeholders’ engagement appreciated the state government for recognizing their importance in the fight against desert encroachment, deforestation erosion and other environmental challenges and called for continued working synergy for positive results.
WikkiTimes recalls that in 2021, floodings killed 20 persons and destroyed property worth over N1b. Floods were recorded in 19 local governments of Bauchi State with 27 bridges collapsed and 47 culverts washed away.
