Gov. Buni collaborates with Hadeja Jama’are Kumadugu Yobe River Basin for socio-economic development
Gov. Buni collaborates with Hadeja Jama’are Kumadugu Yobe River Basin for socio-economic development
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has embarked on a collaborative effort with the Hadeja Jama’are Kumadugu Yobe River Basin to uplift the socio-economic status of the communities along the river line.
Representatives from the six states within the Hadeja Jama’are Kumadugu Yobe River Basin Trust Fund gathered in Damaturu for a workshop aimed at consolidating knowledge and taking action towards the restoration of the basin.
In his opening address, Governor Buni emphasized the significance of the workshop in addressing the current challenges faced by the River Basin and the livelihoods of millions of people residing along its stretch, not just in Nigeria but beyond as well, once revitalized.
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Governor Buni reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the basin, with a focus on enhancing commercial activities for the communities living along the Hadeja Jama’are Kumadugu Yobe River Basin through various interventions.
While delivering the governor’s speech, the Permanent Secretary of the Yobe State Ministry of Water Resources, Abdullahi Abba, explained that despite previous efforts to salvage the situation, the Federal Government and the six riparian states established the Hadeja Jama’are Kumadugu Yobe River Basin Trust Fund with the aim of improving water flow into Lake Chad. Notably, Lake Chad is the only basin in Nigeria that does not drain into the Atlantic Ocean.
Governor Buni also highlighted that his administration has taken proactive measures to tackle climate change and environmental challenges. Notably, the planting of millions of seedlings to combat desert encroachment, erosion, and other manmade factors that are adversely affecting the environment.
Additionally, Governor Buni assured the trust fund of the full support and cooperation of his administration in addressing the impact of current challenges such as poverty, insurgency, climate change, and the Covid-19 pandemic on the various communities along the basin.
Engr. Mai Ladi Yusuf Abba, Chairman of the Hadeja Jama’are Kumadugu Yobe River Basin Trust Fund Board of Trustees, mentioned that the Trust Fund was established in 2006 by the Federal Government in collaboration with the states of Bauchi, Borno, Jigawa, Kano, Plateau, and Yobe, to evaluate the effects of climate change and manage the water resources of the basin.
Chairman Abba further highlighted the collective efforts to revitalize the basin after years of insurgency activities that have impacted the Northeast region.
The Chairman expressed gratitude to the governors of the basin states for their continuous support and interventions, while also appealing for sustained support to the trust fund to ensure the long-term success of the program.
During the workshop, esteemed experts presented papers on various topics including the effects of climate change and potential solutions, funding challenges faced by the basin, and capacity for project implementation.
The workshop brought together community leaders, stakeholders, experts, and dedicated individuals, all with the aim of exchanging knowledge, brainstorming ideas, and charting a course of action for the basin’s future.
Governor Mai Mala Buni’s partnership with the Hadeja Jama’are Kumadugu Yobe River Basin highlights his dedication to improving the socio-economic conditions of the communities along the river line. Together, they aim to address the challenges faced by the basin and create a sustainable and prosperous future for all.