Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has announced a N3.5 billion incentive for 1,000 youths across the state as part of measures aimed at boosting agricultural development in the state.
He said N100 million will be contributed to the fund by each by each of the local governments in the state..
The governor made the announcement while reeling out the first Executive Order on tree planting, in the State on the second day of the Green Economy Summit in Minna on Wednesday.
He directed all Niger State residents to plant a tree
Governor Bago said that the initiative would incentivize 1,000 youths with a million naira each to enroll back into farming for a sustainable future.
He said his administration is ready to create a conducive for business to thrive.
Governor Bago said, to fast-track the initiative, all Local Government Secretariats will establish an Extension College and Nursery where trees will first germinate and later be transferred.
He said there is need for the Federal Government and key institutions like Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), TeTfund, and other stakeholders to key into the initiative as a renaissance for Nigeria.
In a remark, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, noted that the summit provides a major milestone in our collective determination to promote sustainable development and tackle challenges caused by climate change.
Hon. Abbas who was represented by Majority Chief Whip, Hon. Usman Kumo who averred that it is a significant event that promotes and highlights potentials of green technology, renewable energy projects, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism in Niger State.
He noted that, the concept of a green economy is rooted in recognizing that economic growth must be pursued in harmony with environmental sustainability.
According to him, today’s development must not jeopardize future generations’ capacity to utilize nature’s blessings for their own development.
He added that, a green economy emphasizes decoupling economic development from resource depletion and environmental degradation while fostering low-carbon, resource-efficient, socially inclusive growth that promotes present and future generations’ well-being.
The Speaker noted that, Niger State has abundant natural resources and diverse ecosystems that provide unique opportunities to lead the way in promoting a green economy in Nigeria.
According to him, by harnessing these resources sustainably, new economic opportunities can be created while preserving natural heritage for future generations.
He informed that, transitioning to a green economy requires strong political will, effective governance, collaboration among stakeholders, an enabling environment aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), legislations promoting renewable energy development establishing green financing mechanisms encouraging adoption of eco-friendly technologies investment in education capacity-building programs equipping citizens with skills needed for a green economy.
He said, Policymakers have a responsibility to create an enabling environment incentivizing sustainable practices supporting green businesses.
He added that, by launching the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint today, the state is setting an example for the rest of Nigeria on how to harness green assets and innovation for sustainable development.
