Opinion: A CASE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PLATEAU STATE CONSERVATION CORPS

Opinion: A CASE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF PLATEAU STATE CONSERVATION CORPS

by Comrade Wesley Panshak Gowok.

Plateau State can easily be described as the most beautiful place in Nigeria, second only perhaps to the Mambila Plateau,Taraba State.

Everywhere you turn on this magnificent Plateau, Picturesque landscapes with over hanging rocks tempered by a generous dose of temperate weather presents first time visitors with an exotic experience-the kind you can only get in places with similar weather conditions.Sadly, we have failed as it were to fully press home this advantage; to maximize our natural endowments as it should be.

To make matters worse, an impending desertification challenge via our borders with states like Bauchi,listed amongst the Frontline states directly caught in the desertification crossfire is no goodnews at all.The approaching desert encroachment would soon get to our own very doorsteps if nothing is speedily done to arrest this sad development.Already,migration of pastoralists from the desert prone states to these parts is putting immense pressure on agro based resources which has lead to very intense agitations between Aboriginal owners of the land who are largely farmers and the pastoralists who are looking for fertile land for their cattle to graze.

The creation of a Plateau State Conservation Corps (PSCC) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with cross over functions with the ministry of environment and the ministry of Tourism and Culture would probably provide our dear state a great opportunity to address Environmental,Tourism and Agriculture related issues because the proposed Agency would among other things focus on

(a) Sensitization of residents in the state on the importance of conserving nature's resources (such as trees) as a means of fighting desertification.

(b) Leading the state in an afforestation drive through the massive planting of trees which can boost the tree shelter belt in the state and generally encourage greenery both in urban and rural settings on the Plateau.

(c) Creation/Supervision of green spaces,very beautiful parks and other such relaxation spots within the Jos metropolis and environs.

(d) Introducing residents to alternative energy sources that would reduce the cutting of trees for the production of Charcoal.

(e) Establishing Conversation Corps clubs in schools on the Plateau where in students can be encouraged to develop an eco-friendly culture.

(f) Organising seminars/workshops in partnership with relevant national and international organizations to train interested persons/parties on how to produce economically viable eco-friendly products that can create wealth and enhance the economic wellbeing of the state.

Furthermore, an agency of this stature can immediately provide direct employment to the teeming youth in the state whilst also easily positioning Plateau State as the most eco-friendly state in the whole of Nigeria and one of greenest and cleanest spots in the world.

Nothing is impossible.If others have done it,we can too!

Long live Plateau State!

Long live Nigeria!

God bless us all.

#NoYouthLeftBehind.