The Niger State government, has announced its concluded plan to hold an economic summit, as Governor of the State, Umar Bago said green economy would be one of the target areas of discuss.
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Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Bago said: “We want to set the pace on the green economy”, adding that the state will use the summit to wake some sleeping giants in resources.
The Governor has also assured that beneficial outcome of the summit wouldn’t be threatened by insecurity , as measures were on ground to addressing the menace.
As a state, he said, “We have and still investing in the procurement of heavy duty equipment for that preparation, we are very ambitious . In the next one year we will prepare and cultivate 2,50,000 hectares of land and in the next four years, one million hectares of land. This is because these miscreants stay at ungoverned land. We want to take over these ungoverned lands and prepare them for cultivation .
“So don’t worry about security. Right now as a state, we have the highest congregation of Fulani herdsmen in the world in Niger State domesticated, so security wouldn’t be an issue. The military, Federal and state governments, we are in collaboration and as you know, very well, those are no things we can discuss in the public”, he said.
Giving insights into the scope and focus of the summit billed for 24th and 25th of October, Bago said “Niger state government is hosting the 1st-ever subnational Green Economy Summit in response to the global challenges of environmental degradation, climate change impacts, insecurity and the growing need for sustainable solutions where we will be
Unveiling the Niger State Green Economy Blueprint to guide our developmental choice of actions.
“In view of the above, the Summit will attract experts and participants from around the world to exchange ideas, best practices, and innovations on green economy initiatives for us to learn and adapt in our context. This is in alignment with the country’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, transition to a low-carbon economy. The Summit will help in meeting Nigeria’s pledge under the Paris Agreement, the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Subsequently, the summit will also emphasize the role of local communities and their indigenous knowledge systems in sustainable development while empowering them with the necessary knowledge and resources to engage in eco-friendly practices and green initiatives, to achieve the UN SDGs.
“Similarly, through panel discussions, and presentations, the summit shall increase public awareness and knowledge about green technologies, sustainable practices, and environmental issues.
“The theme of this summit shall be “Sustainable Future: Harnessing Green Assets and Innovation for Niger State’s Prosperity”. This encapsulates our central vision and purpose of the Niger State Green Economy initiative. It communicates the state’s commitment to the sustainable development of its valuable natural resources (green assets), and the use of innovative practices in driving economic growth and prosperity.
“The target is to unlock the states’ green economy potential to achieve prosperity for all its residents. By adopting this theme, the Niger State Green Economy Summit aims to inspire collaboration, knowledge sharing, and concrete actions that will lead to a greener, more sustainable, and prosperous future for the state and its people.
“We are expecting about 500 participants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds to discuss and help proffer solutions to issues of decarbonizing Energy Systems, Circular Economy, Waste Management, Green Agriculture, Food Security, Eco-Tourism and Community Development. Other issues to be discussed include; Conserving Biodiversity for Sustainable Development, Innovative Solutions for Water Management, Smart Cities, Sustainable Urbanization, Women and Youth Engagement.
