*Urges tough action on illegal logging
From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State House of Assembly, has expressed concern over the rising threat of land degradation, desertification, and deforestation, particularly in the northern part of the state, warning that the trend poses serious risks to farming and rural livelihoods.
During plenary, lawmakers Lawal Ayinla (Iqbaie/Malete/Oloru), Owolabi Rasaq (Share/Oke-Ode) and Babatunde Olatundun (Ilorin Northwest), cautioned that unchecked environmental damage is depleting soil fertility, reducing agricultural yields, and worsening poverty in vulnerable communities.
Speaker Engineer Yakubu Danladi, called on Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to direct the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to launch a statewide anti-desertification programme.
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According to him, the plan should include K-3 planting, establishment of community woodlots, creation of shelterbelts, promotion of agroforestry, and implementation of soil conservation projects.
He also urged the Governor to mandate the Ministry of Justice to strictly enforce the Kwara State Charcoal Production Prohibition (Amendment) Law 2018, noting that prosecuting offenders would help curb illegal logging and deforestation.
The Assembly further proposed the creation of a multi-stakeholder task force to oversee the initiatives, restore degraded land, and secure the livelihoods of farming communities. “If we act decisively now, Kwara can set an example in sustainable environmental management for other states to follow,” the Speaker said.
