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World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno

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World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno

By: Bodunrin Kayode

30 million dollars has been earmarked for the Borno State Agro Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid landscapes (ACRESAL) project aimed at battling desertification due to climate change by the world bank.

The grant which is to be spread across six years for various projects to counter erosion and other forms of challenges in the savanna is to attract a counterpart funding of N500m from the Borno State government.

This was revealed by the coordinator of the project in the State Ayuba Peter while addressing newsmen in his office in maiduguri over the weekend.

Ayuba said that the project will be of immense benefit to Borno residents because they reside within the sahel savanna region which is the worse hit from gradual desert encroachment, one of the haul marks of climate change.

The coordinator told newsmen in his office in maiduguri that the world bank “support implementation team” was in maiduguri to fast track the execution process of some already marked sites like Ngamdu which has been on the drawing board since the era of the Nigerian Erosion and Watershed management projects (NEWMAP).

“We benefitted about two years of the NEWMAP project and they had to fold up which is why ACRESAL inherited the projects and had to bring them to the front burner for speedy execut

” The project actually started in July 2022, to address some of the challenges we faced in the north of Nigeria when it comes to climate changes. And that is why there is need for agro climatic resilience which is why the World Bank will be helping us to get to our targets hopefully. “

Speaking on stakeholders of the project at federal and state levels, the coordinator went on:” The project involves the ministry of Environment of each of the 19 northern states and the federal capital territory (FCT) and our Commissioner of Environment Eng. Emat Kois is the chair of the state steering committee. The Commissioners of Agriculture and water resources are co-chairs of the project. “

Responding to the current uneven spread of the project due to security reasons, the Coordinator said that for now projects being executed can be found in Bayo especially in Briyel, Uba and Ngamdu in Kaga council areas respectively”.

He posited that security concerns in certain areas marked out, has been a major challenge which is why other desirable areas have not been considered for implemention for now.

“projects inherited from NEWMAP are flow and erosion control in Ngamdu, which was not implemented because the timing was not favorable to the completion before the period expired. Coupled with the fact that pending projects were added to assist the benefitting community further.

Ayuba confirmed that Borno Governor Babagana Zulum has released the first batch of counterpart funding totalling N100m which qualifies the state to move into the second stage of the loan scheme.

“We believe his excellency is highly committed to the project as such the release of the next counterpart funding of N400m will not be an. Issue.” he concluded.

Meanwhile, Borno Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has visited the Ngamdu erosion site which he says is critical to his people.

He said that over 500 residents in Ngamdu in Kaga council area used to be displaced during the peak of the rainy season adding that whatever dykes that are to be built should be constructed to save the people from these annual torrents which threaten the lives of the residents.

World Bank earmarks $30 million to fight desertification in Borno

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Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

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Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, the Chief of Naval Staff on Thursday inaugurated six blocks of renovated classrooms and newly constructed toilets at Central Primary School, Mayo-Belwa Local Government, Adamawa State.

Abbas, who was represented by the Rear Admiral Raheem Taofeek, said the project was a special intervention scheme and cooperate social responsibility of the Nigeria Navy to give back to the community.

According to him, the project is being executed by the Rear Adm. Abdulhamid Baba-Inna, the Navy Secretary in his hometown in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to use the facilities responsibly for maximum benefit.

In his remarks, Baba-Inna, said the project was to improve the learning environment to be conducive for the pupils and teachers.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, this project aligns squarely with the Nigeria Navy’s Civil-Military Cooperation and Relations framework.

“We recognise that our effectiveness is not measured solely by operational successes at sea or on the battlefield but also by the strength of our relationship with the people we serve.

“Projects such as this are deliberate efforts to build trust, foster goodwill and strengthen the bond between the military and civil society”, he said.

According to him, the classes and offices were provided with tables and chairs as well as the solar power light to enhance safety and security in the school.

Baba-Inna urged the pupils and teachers to take ownership of the project for maximum benefit.

In his remarks, Mr Adiyal Kurdah, Member I, Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB), expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Navy for such a project.

He said the project would significantly improve enrollment, retention and quality education in the area.

Alhaji Ardo Bamanga, District Head of Mayo-Belwa, described the project as a good legacy that would help to shape the character of children to be responsible citizens in future.

The event featured presentation of learning materials to pupils, tree planting, cultural displays and awards presentations.

Navy supports Adamawa community with classrooms, toilets

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Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

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Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 6, Operation Enduring peace, have repelled an attack by unidentified gunmen in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 8:00 p.m. on May 5 at Rim general area.

According to the source, troops deployed at the location came under sporadic gunfire from unknown assailants.

He said the troops swiftly responded and engaged the attackers, forcing them to withdraw from the area.

“Troops successfully repelled the attack, and the criminals fled,” the source said.

The source added that follow-up patrols had been intensified to track the fleeing attackers and prevent further security breaches in the area.

Troops repel attack by gunmen in Plateau – Army

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Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

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Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, met with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos on Tuesday during which he discussed opportunities for his state’s local creators to link into the value chain.

Zulum’s administration, since 2019, has pushed to diversify Borno’s economy while also creating a conducive environment for business and investment.

The governor, who was received by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside Executive Director, Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, had paid a similar high-level visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) last year.

At the NSC meeting, Zulum had pushed for the fast-tracking of the Maiduguri Dry Inland Port; a landmark project designed to bring port services closer to the northeast. 

Once operational, the dry port will create thousands of jobs, generate significant internal revenue and boost Borno’s overall economic activity by reducing logistics costs and decongesting coastal ports.

In a related development, Zulum’s administration is also working to fully establish the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Banki, a border town neighbouring the Republic of Cameroon, with the process already at an advanced stage.

By simultaneously advancing the Dry Inland Port in Maiduguri and the Free Trade Zone in Banki, Zulum is putting in place a coherent strategy to industrialise Borno, create jobs, generate revenue and permanently shift the state’s economy away from over-reliance on monthly federal allocations.

Zulum meets NPA’s mgt in Lagos, wants Borno’s export capabilities scaled up

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