Odusote seeks participatory approach to effectively implement GGW programmes
For the meaningful development-targeted programmes of the Great Green Wall to be effectively implemented for sustainability, Mrs. Ibukun Odusote, said stakeholders in the GGW sub-sector must adopt a participatory bottom – top approach at their consultative fora.
Mrs. Odusote, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, made this known at the “1st Stakeholders Consultative Forum of the National Alliance for the Great Green Wall for the Sahara and Sahel Initiative (GGWSSI) in Nigeria”, on Wednesday.
In her opening address at the Forum in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, disclosed that the main objective of the consultative forum is to further strengthen the processes of identifying more stakeholders at the grassroot, which is necessary for the effective implementation of the GGWSSI in Nigeria.
Among other things, she said the forum would seek to engage coherent and responsive action of the GGWSSI, and also engage stakeholders in the implementation process.
She added: “The aim of the Forum is to coordinate and synergize with ministries, national authorities, and state institutions within the GGW intervention areas. Another cardinal aim is to develop strategies and plans for achieving the GGWSSI laudable goals, while also developing and sharing communication and useful information about the GGWSSI.”
Odusote, expressed confidence that the positive outcomes of the deliberations and interactions at the two-day forum will give an incisive direction and required impetus to the GGW programme implementation.
Earlier, Dr. Bukar Hassan, the Director General of NAGGW, in an address of welcome, noted that the Consultative Forum is a veritable platform to bring together all stakeholders who can positively impact the implementation of the GGW programme in the country.
“We seek your support and collaboration to ensure a result-oriented GGW programme implementation in Nigeria. The Forum is an event that we intend to hold regularly for smoother implementation of the GGW programme, with the buy-in of all relevant stakeholders, including our dear communities. I am very optimistic that the collective interest of participants to combat the problems of the Nigerian drylands in a participatory manner will provide the push required for successful deliberations in the next two days,” Dr. Hassan added.
Mahmud Abdulsalam
Staff Writer, PRNigeria
