The temporary site for the establishment of a Federal College of Forestry in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State has been approved by the Federal Government. The approval was given today.
Dr Mohammed Abubukar, the Minister of Environment made this known after a meeting with Governor Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State. The meeting was held at the Government House in Maiduguri.
He stated that information regarding the take-off of the institutions would be disclosed by the committee set up by the ministry. The committee is headed by Prof. Adeshola Adepoju, Director General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN).
Dr Abubakar remarked that the agreement with UNESCO for the execution of a project called ‘Biosphere and Heritage of Lake Chad’ aimed toward safeguarding the environment. The project, he said, would focus on supporting the Member States in the preparation of a dossier for the creation of a trans-boundary biosphere reserve in the basin and a nomination of the lake as a World Heritage Site.
The minister revealed the relevant projects and programs initiated by the ministry. The programs were geared towards fighting desertification and climate action in Borno. The Great Green Wall program and the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) are a part of the program.
Abubakar said a total of about 1.3 million varieties of seedlings are been produced while 60 kilometers shelter belt were planted alongside the establishment of 140 hectares of wood long.
He urged the Borno government to set aside a land that would be developed. It is to be considered a forest reserve in the future for the development of the state and the environment.
He said his intention for visiting the state was a working visit and to also discuss with Governor Zullum on his areas of interest for the implementation of various projects under the ministry.
Governor Zullum affirmed the support of the State Government with the Federal Government in its plan to establish the college in the state.
‘I am pleased to notify the people of Borno that the Federal Government in its magnanimity has approved the establishment of the Federal College Forestry at Khadamari village in Jere.’
‘As you are aware of the arid nature of the state, I believe with the establishment of the college, the people would benefit a lot as it will play a vital role in the fight against desertification and climate action,’ Zulum said.
Adenike Omoasanya
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