Nasarawa ACReSAL Launches Statewide Bushfire Prevention Campaign in the State.
In a determined effort to combat climate change, protect green spaces, and safeguard ACReSAL investments in Nasarawa State, the Nasarawa Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) has launched an extensive bushfire prevention campaign across the state.
This initiative aims to preserve soil nutrients, sustain agricultural productivity, and prevent environmental degradation caused by uncontrolled fires.
Addressing the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) before the sensitization campaign, Project Coordinator, Elias Gyobe Napoleon PhD emphasized the urgency and importance of this intervention. He highlighted how indiscriminate bush burning often carried out by farmers for land clearing or hunting poses a severe threat to farmlands, green areas, and local communities.
“Bushfires not only destroy crops and vegetation but also contribute significantly to land degradation and climate change. If left unchecked, they will have devastating effects on food security, human health, and biodiversity,” Dr. Napoleon stated.
To ensure the campaign received strong institutional backing, the ACReSAL team engaged key government stakeholders.
At the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the State Technical Committee, Dr. Garba Mohammed Rosha, expressed his full support and appreciation for the initiative. After listening to the sensitization objective, he lauded ACReSAL’s efforts and urged the team to ensure the campaign reaches every community across the state.
“This is a timely and critical intervention for Nasarawa State. Bushfires threaten not only our farmlands but also future generations. We must all support this cause to protect our environment,” Dr. Rosha emphasized.
Similarly, in Lafia Local Government Council, the Chairman, Hon. Muhammad A. Halliru (ARABO), expressed his deep admiration for ACReSAL’s efforts, describing the project as transformational.
“Looking at the project’s goals, objectives, and ongoing developmental interventions, ACReSAL is truly a game changer. I proudly address the Project Coordinator as the ‘Professor of Projects’ for his visionary leadership,” Hon. Halliru stated.
He further assured the project of his unwavering support and collaboration in ensuring the success of the bushfire prevention campaign.
The campaign extended to various communities in Lafia and Doma, including Lafia East, Yelwa, Oyina Tiv, and Oyina Mada. Community leaders and stakeholders actively participated, acknowledging the severe threat that bushfires pose to their environment and livelihoods.
A representative of Andoma stressed that bushfires remain a major challenge and urged community members to abandon harmful fire practices.
In their remarks, community leaders, youth representatives, women leaders, and religious figures applauded ACReSAL for its proactive efforts. They pledged to safeguard green spaces, adopt fire prevention measures, and establish local strategies to keep the message alive.
The sensitization events were attended by traditional leaders, youth leaders , women leaders ,religious leaders, town criers, and local community members all committed to spreading the message and enforcing bushfire prevention measures.
Through initiatives like this, ACReSAL continues to champion environmental sustainability, enhance climate resilience, and secure a greener, healthier future for Nasarawa State, they stated.
ACReSAL: Greening the Environment, Saving Lives!
Communications
NS-ACReSAL
4th January 2025.
