The Director-General of the Borno State Agency for the Great Green Wall, Usman Aliyu, has called on Nigerians to prioritize afforestation and renewable energy as strategies to mitigate environmental crises and prevent related health challenges in the country.
Speaking to newsmen in Maiduguri, Aliyu attributed the recent flooding in Borno and other parts of the country to environmental neglect and harmful practices.
He emphasized the need for mitigation, adaptation, and resilience to minimize the impact of climate change.
“Floods cannot be completely stopped, but their impact can be reduced through mitigation. Aliyu explained.”
“With the current realities of climate change, heavy rainfall is inevitable, which worsens flooding.
The recent September 10, 2024 flood is a clear example of the consequences of ignoring climate resilience.”
He further highlighted the role of human activities such as bush burning, which contributes to extreme heat, irregular rainfall patterns, and other climate-related challenges.
Aliyu underscored the importance of afforestation in combating climate change, noting that plants absorb carbon dioxide and other pollutants.
“We must embark on massive afforestation, reduce our carbon footprint, and transition to renewable energy sources,” he said.
He also advocated for strategic urban planning and the adoption of alternative cooking fuels, such as briquettes made from waste materials, instead of firewood.
“If we fail to address climate change, the consequences will include loss of livelihoods, compromised food security, disease outbreaks, and ultimately, loss of lives,” Aliyu warned.
The Director-General urged the government to implement policies that encourage environmentally friendly practices, such as subsidizing liquefied natural gas and electricity costs for citizens.
He stressed the importance of making clean cooking energy accessible to reduce dependence on firewood.
“Stopping the use of firewood entirely is challenging because of its affordability. However, if alternatives are subsidized and promoted, we can reduce environmental degradation and avert future disasters,” he said.
Aliyu commended the Borno State government for its proactive initiatives, including the conversion of streetlights and boreholes to solar power, the construction of liquefied natural gas stations, and the introduction of electric vehicles.
“The state government has taken significant steps to embrace renewable energy. For instance, 1,000 electric tricycles have been imported and are being assembled, while solar-powered streetlights and boreholes are being installed across the state,” Aliyu revealed.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to raising awareness about climate change and promoting sustainable practices.
“We are training individuals on smart agriculture and backyard farming during the dry season to enhance climate resilience,” he said.
Aliyu concluded by acknowledging the support of the Borno State government, which aligns with the Great Green Wall’s objectives, and expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to address climate change in the region.