Niger State must be on the global map, we have a lot to offer the world but they must know us first, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago told a late-night meeting as he hosted a delegation from the Deutsche Bank headed by Edwin Barlow.
Since assuming office, the Governor of Niger State has, at every moment and turn, marketed Niger State to the nation and the world. With the aim of opening the State to the realization of its full potential and improving its prosperity index. Let me digress a little from the fact that the opening speech by Amina J Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the UN, was not only a masterstroke, but also essential in the integration of State in the field of global development progress, to also understand the significance of the news of this premiere. edition, is the appearance of the event at Ajanse Andalus, the leading news agency and distributor in the Mediterranean and Balkans region.
Now let’s return to the green economy, also called circular economy or “bioeconomy”, which is often overlooked. However, its immense potential, if harnessed well, can bring about life-changing and impactful sustainable development. Sectors that are remotely connected to the green economy are renewable energy, low carbon transport, energy efficient buildings, clean technology, improved waste management, improved fresh water supply, sustainable agriculture, forestry, inclusion, tourism and fisheries.
The beauty of this sector, as stated above, is that Niger State benefits from all of this in abundance. However, what is of interest to a potential investor is the collection and production of the first Green Economy Plan – a strategic document outlining a visionary roadmap that will shape Niger State’s development choices in line with its sustainability goals. Understanding the thinking of Niger State policy makers led by the Governor means dissecting the objective of the State’s current interest in green economy. The overall goal is ambitious: to transform Niger State into a beacon of green, ecologically sustainable, socially inclusive and economically robust prosperity.
An overview of the granular components of the plan shows ways to find financial support, transfer technology, build capacity and foster strategic partnerships in achieving our Green Economy Agenda mission. To name a few, include the availability of a leading healthcare system, access to inclusive and high-quality education, protection of lives and property, assured food security, clean water, affordable housing, places for recreation and sports opportunities. and leisure. Just like the Hausa proverb that a song sounds better on the lips of the singer, Governor Bago said in his speech at the maiden edition: “We envision a state with a sustainable economy, supported by substantial agricultural growth, investments in tourism, use of renewable energy, responsible extraction of solid minerals, promotion of innovation, adoption of advanced technologies, promotion of various services, establishment of free zones -exchange, the cultivation of industrial parks and the establishment of economic cities as vital poles for development and employment. This comprehensive vision of harnessing the green potential of the state undoubtedly has the unique opportunity to gradually steer the state away from the multidimensional poverty it has fallen into over the years.
The aforementioned point is only fully supported by the UN Deputy Secretary General, who said Nigeria must chart a new course by investing in the transition to clean energy from renewable sources. She further commended the state government for initiating the green economy project, saying it had great potential to boost sustainable development in the state and the country at large. “Nigeria must initiate change and chart a new path that leaves no one behind by investing in the transition to clean energy from renewable sources. Niger has the potential to be a pioneer on this path. Investing in the green economy would trigger the next big wave of human and sustainable development, especially for our youth.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has said fossil fuels and carbon emissions are “a big concern for Nigeria” and investments in renewable energy are crucial to combating desertification in the country, he added. Most importantly, he is ready to support the state government, including sharing the unique experience of Borno State.
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More than anything else that excites Nigerlites is the announcement of the provision of a N3.5 billion incentive to 1,000 young farmers as part of measures to boost agricultural development. The multiplier effect of this measure is immeasurable.
In addition to being the leading player in the green sector, Governor Bago is changing the socio-economic face of Niger State. The advances in energy and dynamic governance seen with initiatives such as the Green Economy Plan will ultimately not only alleviate multidimensional poverty, but more importantly increase prosperity. index of the State of Niger for the common good of all.
Abdulkadir is the Honorary Special Advisor to the Governor of Niger State on Intergovernmental and Development Partnerships.