From HASSAN JIRGI Damaturu
Yobe State governor, Mai Mala Buni has launched a major erosion control project and distributed climate-smart farm inputs to local farmers.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Buni started that it marks a crucial milestone in the state’s efforts to curb the devastating effects of flood and erosion in Buni Yadi/Damaturu.
According to him, this project will curb the menace of flood and erosion, halting further destruction of the environment and its consequences on agriculture in the community,” he said.
The governor assured the community that the project will not only mitigate the impact of flood, but also optimise water harvesting to boost irrigation agriculture, ensuring food security and economic prosperity.
He also urged the community to take ownership of the project, cooperate with the contractors and protect the infrastructure to ensure maximum benefits.
In addition to the erosion control project, Governor Buni distributed farm inputs to farmers who lost their farms to floods enabling them to engage in irrigation farming.
This initiative demonstrates the administration’s commitment to make agricultural practice attractive, productive and profitable for local farmers.
He expressed appreciation for the resilience of the communities affected by flood and erosion, praising their determination to continue agricultural practices despite the challenges.
In his reaction, the Task Team Leader of the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project, Dr Iganya Joy Agene, noted that the World Bank and the federal government’s team were present to support the governor in carrying out three key developmental activities.
These activities include the distribution of climate-smart inputs, presentation of cheques to the affected community members and the handing over of the gully site at Buni Yadi to a contractor.
Dr Agene mandated the contractor to ensure that work is done according to World Bank’s approval, emphasizing the importance of community involvement, job creation and sustainability.
She urged community members to take ownership of the investment and ensure its long-term benefits.
