Initially, I thought the project was a Nigerian initiative but just when I sought to know more,I found out that it's indeed an African initiative meant to protect both the Sahel and Sahara regions from desertification by planting trees to serve as walls just like trying to recreate the Green wall of China but this one is more broad and involves a range of multisectoral approach. From developmental to economic to social and other sectors. 

According to the Nigerian Vice President Alhaji Namadi Sambo, ?It is not just planting trees to stop

deforestation and desertification, it has

to do with the whole eco-system in

which water, plant, animal and others

would be given attention".

The project involves about 20 African countries.

It is a project I like so much and just the name alone gives me joy.

Now,in Nigeria, any threat of desertification is more likely to be found in Northern Nigeria. This owes much to the topography,weather and at times,lifestyle of the inhabitants of this region hence,when Nigeria got serious about the Great Green Wall Project, the government choose 11 northern states to be the frontline states for the purpose of this project.

The states are: Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto,

Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe and

Borno.

After the aforementioned states,it is hoped that the project will extend to other states of the federation but to make it more detailed, information on the website for this project in Nigeria explained thus:

"q 43 LGAs in the frontline states to be

covered.

q To rehabilitate 225,000 Ha of lands.

q It involves:

u Establishment of green wall or shelterbelt

from Kebbi State to Borno State, a distance

of 1,500 km and 15 km wide.

u Community Sensitization & Mobilization

u Promotion of alternative sources of

energy,

u Promotion of alternative means of

livelihoods,

u Promotion of dryland agricultural

technology,

Provision of water and other social

infrastructure."

From the above information, I can help out in some ways especially in the area of "community sensitization and mobilization" to help the Nigerian government achieve great results with this project.

I am currently seeking to get in touch with the federal ministry of environment so as to help them achieve great results.

Again, everything points to the fact that this project will work in Nigeria as the necessary framework has been put in place with the government reported to have earmarked 10 billion naira for the purpose of the project. The President,Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, is also said to be very interested in the success of the project and will be going on a personal supervision of the work.

Jingles on the project have since been on the national television and may soon spread to radio stations.

So,it is left for the minister of environment in Nigeria,Hadiza

Mailafia and her team to work with passion,determination and commitment and this project, will be a reality in a couple of years.

As always, I will do my bit too to help achieve results.

PHOTO: Courtesy of Wikimedia

Commons.