By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse Jigawa State Governor, , has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to tackling the growing ch...
By Abdullahi Idris, Dutse
Jigawa State Governor, , has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to tackling the growing challenges of climate change through practical environmental policies, ecological restoration and community-driven climate action.
The governor made the pledge during the inauguration of the Jigawa State Governance Structure for the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, alongside the launch of Environmental Societies in tertiary institutions and School Environmental Clubs at the Dutse Township Stadium.
The programme was officially inaugurated by , who represented the First Lady of Nigeria and National Chairman of the Renewed Hope Initiative, .
Addressing participants, Governor Namadi described climate change as one of the defining development challenges of the present generation, noting that Jigawa, situated within Nigeria's fragile semi-arid belt and along the Great Green Wall corridor, remains particularly vulnerable to desertification, land degradation, recurrent flooding and declining agricultural productivity.
"As a frontline state in the Great Green Wall, our people have long felt the harsh realities of ecological threats. We know the weight of degraded lands, the anxiety of shifting landscapes, and the quiet struggle of communities working to protect the soil on which so much depends. Yet we remain resilient and committed to protecting our environment," the governor said.
He said his administration had placed climate resilience and environmental sustainability at the centre of its development agenda through strategic policies and investments aimed at protecting ecosystems, securing livelihoods and promoting sustainable economic growth.
According to him, the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge aligns with the state's recently approved Climate Change Policy and complements efforts to promote environmental sustainability, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and responsible natural resource management.
Governor Namadi added that the initiative also supports the environmental and agricultural priorities outlined in his administration's 12-Point Agenda, particularly in the areas of food security, water resource management, infrastructure development, youth empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
The governor said the state had moved beyond policy formulation to practical interventions, citing the implementation of the World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project. He explained that the project had delivered major ecological restoration works, including the Danmasara–Yalwawa Gully Erosion and Flood Mitigation schemes, which reclaimed more than 400 hectares of degraded land through erosion control, drainage infrastructure and flood mitigation measures.
He also recalled the recent distribution of specialised aquatic weed management equipment to 15 community-based organisations operating in riverine communities to improve waterway management, reduce flood risks and strengthen community participation in environmental protection.
Governor Namadi stressed that building climate resilience requires the active participation of citizens, particularly young people, whom he described as custodians of the state's environmental future.
He disclosed that nearly 3,000 students had been mobilised into conservation teams across senior secondary schools, while six Environmental Societies had been established in tertiary institutions to promote tree planting, biodiversity conservation, environmental sanitation, recycling and erosion control.
To encourage innovation and grassroots participation, the governor announced a ₦50 million grand prize for outstanding Environmental Societies and youth organisations participating in the Green Nigeria Challenge.
He also directed state and local government marshals to provide mentorship and technical support to the newly established Environmental Clubs and Environmental Societies, adding that implementation of the programme would be monitored through geo-tagging technology and the Survival Rate Index (SRI) to ensure accountability and measurable environmental outcomes.
Governor Namadi commended Senator Oluremi Tinubu for initiating the Green Nigeria Challenge under the Renewed Hope Initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that complements efforts by sub-national governments to address climate change and environmental degradation.
Earlier, Hajiya Nana Kashim Shettima, representing the First Lady, formally inaugurated the Renewed Hope Initiative Green Nigeria Challenge in Jigawa State and commended the Namadi administration for its proactive approach to environmental sustainability and climate resilience.
She said the Green Nigeria Challenge is a flagship national environmental campaign designed to mobilise households, schools, tertiary institutions, communities and state governments towards tree planting, environmental sanitation and climate-conscious development.
The Second Lady noted that Jigawa occupies a strategic position in Nigeria's climate action agenda due to its vulnerability to desertification. She urged residents to plant drought-resistant tree species such as neem (dogonyaro), moringa, date palm, mango and guava, while encouraging Environmental Clubs and Societies to champion biodiversity conservation and environmental awareness across their communities.
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