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Goya District, Desertification, and the Reality of Tree Planting
Goya District, Desertification, and the Reality of Tree Planting
By: Balami Lazarus
My pen and I have been longing to write about Goya District, one of the homes of the Kare-Kare people, whose traces are also found in Jigawa and Bauchi states. The kare-kare are known to be a peaceful group of people who have made their marks in the fields of education and business.
Let me lightly inform you that Goya District was created in 1990. The district is part of the Fika Emirate Council in the Fika local government of Yobe State. Pharmacist Alhaji Garba Abdullahi Daya (1932–2022) was the first district head.
It was interesting living with the Dayas as young men in the 1980s and 1990s, where we related well as family friends and neighbors. As neighbors, we were privileged to have near-free drugs and treatments for our minor ailments because Bappa, as he was fondly called, was a respected pharmacist and CEO of Daya Pharmacuetical Chemist Limited Maiduguri. And was always there for us in our needs for our medical attention. The creation of Goya District was a new dawn for the Dayas, where the head and some members of the family relocated to Daya, the headquarter of Goya District.
The human environment has been the most comfortable place to live, where plants and animals formed part of the eco-system as a driving force for human existence. Similarly, the World Environment Day of June of every year has been set aside by the United Nations to raise awareness among the citizens of the world about the importance of the environment and its positive impact on mankind through its eco-system as a change driver.
This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” was taken seriously with passion by the Goya District for the protection of their environment. The district organized a tree planting campaign recently for land restoration and the control of desertification. This effort was supported by the newly installed district head, Alhaji Musa Garba Daya. “My domain is vast and open, prone to desertification, and we are at the threat of desert encroachment; therefore, tree planting is one of the solutions for checking and controlling desert encroachment.”
Desert encroachment, land degradation, and drought are some of the environmental factors affecting some parts of Yobe and Borno states that are lying on the fringes of the simi-arid Sahara desert. One of the above is a natural phenomenon affecting these areas with its yearly advancement. However, human initiatives and efforts towards desertification control in Goya District go beyond yearly activity. “For us in Goya, it will be a continuous activity. Tree planting and care of our environment are paramount.”.
World Environment Day has always been a ceremonial activity, but my findings on Goya, the Council, and the people show that trees like Neem, Malmo, and Hybrid Mango trees are desperately needed. “Our common goal of making Goya greener and more sustainable for Goya and its people with your help, whether in the form of monetary donations, seedlings, or your active involvement in our Goya District Landscape Restoration Initiative, is welcomed.”.
It is true that our environment needs our collective care and attention if we, as people, take cues from the Goya District Initiative. The beauty of our environment is that humans and animals will benefit from the natural engineering of the eco-system.
Balami, a publisher/columnist (8036779290).
Goya District, Desertification, and the Reality of Tree Planting
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
CELEBRATING PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU
The President/Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Tinubu, has been announced “MAN OF THE YEAR” by THISDAY Newspapers and ARISE News Board of Editors.
The prestigious recognition reaffirmed Mr. President’s exemplary leadership, visionary thinking, and unwavering commitment to transforming the country amid mounting economic and security challenges.
The awards organisers also noted that the President has marched on with courage and determination to change Nigeria for the better, and proven to be a leader who is driven more by convictions and taken decisions which are in the best interest of the nation.
To commemorate this milestone, THISDAY is unveiling a Special Edition on Monday, January 27, 2025, to afford the President’s
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MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
By: Michael Mike
Nigerian government has commiserated with the government and people of Türkiye over the fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort that resulted in the death of 66 persons injured over 50 others.
The condolence message was contained in a statement signed by the acting spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The statement read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria wishes to express deep condolence to the Government and People of the Republic of Turkiye over the unfortunate fire incident at the Grand Kartal Hotel in the Kartalkaya Ski Resort.
“The fire, which claimed the lives of 66 persons and injured over 50 others in Bolu Province in Northwestern Turkiye, was reported to have started in the early hours of Tuesday 21st January 2025.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria sympathizes with the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and the families of the victims of the fire incident, and also wishes a speedy recovery of the injured.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Türkiye Over Devastating Fire Incident
Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank
By: Mamman Mohammed
The Islamic Development Bank has expressed satisfaction with the preparedness of Yobe state government to partner the bank for an agricultural project.
Mr. Javed khan, Senior Agriculture Specialist of the Bank stated this at a courtesy call on Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, at the Government House, Damaturu.
Khan said the commitment of Yobe state government to meeting its obligations is quite impressive and encouraging.
Khan who led a team from the bank on assessment tour of the state to see for itself the documents developed and the preparations on ground for the project, said the team was convinced with government’s committment to the project.
“We were initially discouraged not to come to Yobe state citing insecurity but, we insisted on coming and are impressed with the peace and security, and the government’s commitment to the project.
“We are working towards a target in the next three months for the state to obtain approval from the bank for the project.
“The working synergy between our team and your team suggests that we will achieve our target within the stipulated time frame” Khan said.
Responding, Governor Buni commended the Bank for not listening to the enemies of progress of the state.
“l am glad you did not listen to them, some of whom have never been anywhere close to Yobe state but giving stories about what they don’t know.
“You are now here and you have seen things for yourselves and can tell the story better. We are ready for this partnership using agriculture to drive the economy of our state and the people.
“All the 17 local government areas in the state are now accessible and the people can access their farms and make this proposed project successful” Buni said.
The Governor explained the importance of agriculture to the people, adding “this project would guarantee food security and economic prosperity in our post insurgency recovery programme.
“The resilience exhibited by our people in embracing agriculture being their major preoccupation to rebuild their lives after the protracted insecurity is very encouraging and need to be supported” he said.
The Governor re-ephasized the readiness of his administration to partner the bank to make agricultural development in the state a huge success story.
Yobe’s Commitment To Agric. Development very Impressive -Islamic Development Bank
MAN OF THE YEAR Award By THISDAY Newspapers/ARISE Media Group
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