ASHENEWS reports that the Niger state governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago says that the state government has received $20 million from the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) to plant trees in the state.
The governor stated this on Thursday at the Government House in Minna when he received members of the forum of permanent secretaries headed by the Head of Service, Salisu Abubakar on the occasion of his 50th birthday in Minna.
ACReSAL is a World Bank-assisted Project aimed at addressing the challenges of land degradation and climate Change in Northern Nigeria.
The project focuses on schemes aimed at improving the environment, water as well as the agricultural sector.
Created by the Federal Government, the project aims to combat desertification and restore degraded lands, and special ecosystems for agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
Bago who said that the project aligns with his administration’s agenda to boost agriculture and promote climate change said that the state government would cultivate cash crops through the project.
The governor who described agriculture as a way to attain prosperity said that the state government has procured mechanised farming tools and put in place irrigation systems to boost its agricultural productivity.
He maintained that the Niger state government was ready to give its all in ensuring that it succeeds in its ongoing agricultural revolution agenda.
He further said that the Niger state government was working towards bringing in more investment in the area of aquaculture.
Commending the Forum for the gifts, show of love and their services to the State so far, the governor described their gesture as emotional.
Earlier in his remarks, the Head of Service, Engr. Abubakar Salisu lauded the efforts of the Niger state government in revamping the state’s civil service.
Salisu assured the state governor of continuous support from the state’s civil servants.