Governor Buni of Yobe State has addressed the pressing challenges of natural disasters that pose a threat to the agrarian state. During a visit by participants of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies’ Senior Executive Course 45 in 2023, the governor, represented by Acting Secretary to the State Government Baba Malam Wali, highlighted the adverse effects of drought, flooding, soil degradation, desertification, and desert encroachment.
Governor Buni emphasized that these natural factors are particularly detrimental to the state’s majority population, which consists of farmers. The agricultural sector’s crop yields, income, and overall well-being are being negatively impacted, thereby posing a significant threat to national food security.
“Though we have been making a concerted effort with regards to public sensitization and enlightenment, tree planting campaigns, and the provision of alternative energy sources like fuel-efficient stoves, gas cookers, and kerosene stoves to members of the public at subsidized rates to decrease pressure on firewood on our weak vegetation cover project.
“The State also partakes in the Great Green Wall project,” he said.
During the study tour titled “Industrialization, Energy, Security, and Climate Change in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Prospects,” Buni expressed the opinion that the chosen theme encompasses contemporary development matters that demand comprehensive strategies to tackle the global challenges faced in human development.
“We hope that at the end of your study tour, you will come up with far-reaching recommendations that could assist Yobe State in particular and the Nation at large in addressing relevant challenges for socio-economic progress and prosperity”, Buni said.
Directing Staff and Leader of Delegation, Professor Jane Ande, who appreciated the Yobe State Government for the warm reception accorded to the team, said without industrialization Nigeria could not develop as a nation.
“So, we need to have such a system so that our economy and GDP can grow,” she said.
While in Yobe State, the participants are anticipated to actively interact with key stakeholders from the fields of environment, energy, security, and agriculture.
