From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
A non-governmental organisation under the aegis of Building Blocks for Peace Foundation has launched a tree planting and rehabilitation of degraded pastures infrastructure in the Illela/Niger Republic border local government of Sokoto State.
The project is part of the foundation effort to ensure the impact of climate change in the area.
Executive Director, of the foundation Mr Rafi’u Lawal, who was represented by Mr Samson Shabu noted that the project is working toward preventing conflicts and initiating building strategies on how to address climate change.
“As a peace-building organisation, we feel that implementing a climate security project that will address issues of climate change adaptation, and climate mitigation is paramount and significant.
Lawal added that Illela local government in Sokoto and Jibia local government in Katsina State are major focus areas of the project as the northwest climate peace hubs: A climate security approach to conflict prevention being implemented with the support of UNDP Nigeria and Norwegian embassy in Abuja.
“A Climate Security Approach to Conflict Prevention.” This initiative, generously sponsored by UNDP Nigeria and the Embassy of Norway in Nigeria, represents a significant step forward in our efforts to combat the dual challenges of climate change and climate-induced conflict in Northwest Nigeria.”
Climate change poses a profound threat to the stability and prosperity of our communities in the Northwest, exacerbating existing tensions and creating new challenges.
According to him, the objective of the project is to support high-risk communities in North Nigeria working with youth and women to address climate change.
The Director of Affrostration in the State Ministry for Environment said the development was coming as the Sokoto State government planned to plant over one million trees.
“To enhance this organization and other organisations in combating desertification and conflict between the herders and farmers which is ravaging the entire country.
The Sole Administrator of the local government council, Alhaji Sahabi Isa Wakil appreciated the efforts of the Building Blocks for Peace Foundation as well as their partners for the projects describing tree planting as the best way of protecting the environment from erosion, climate change and promising to sustain the tempo.
Also, the District Head of Illela, who was represented by Alhaji Ibrahim Sarkin Makera urged other non-governmental organisations to emulate the efforts.
The event also featured and unveiled 10 youths who were selected to excel in climate activities and who would be supported with macro grants to advocate in the fight against the impact of climate change in their respective communities.
