Desert encroachment: We want to sustain the dreams of our founding fathers – Shehu, Danjuma

By Chris Onokpegu

A road in the desert

President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Engr. Balarabe Shehu said they inherited the Fight Against Desert Encroachment in Africa, FADE-Africa from the founder because they want to sustain the dreams.

He made this disclosure at the Nigerian Society of Engineers-Taming African Desert, NSE-TAD inauguration yesterday in Abuja.

Shehu said the occasion is the first event signaling the involvement of the NSE in the fight against desertification which was event held at the majestic palace of the Emir of Kano on Thursday, 18^th October, 2012.

The NSE president disclosed that the relationship between NSE and FADE-Africa started in 2011 at Tinapa Resort, Calabar, in Cross River State where the initiator, Dr. Jibunoh made a passionate presentation of bridging and greening of the Sahara desert.

Chairman of the occasion, T.Y. Danjuma said the importance of the partnership especially during this period of climatic chaos cannot be overemphasized.

He said he is optimistic that the project would bring about the immense benefits to Africa and unlock the huge potential and possibilities the Sahara Desert has hidden for millennia.

“FADE Africa has been working assiduously for over forty years now with the aim of reclaiming the fast encroaching Sahara Desert.  In order to make Nigeria a better place for all and indeed Africa, the Nigerian Engineering fraternity must conquer the desert and bring the dreams of our fathers to reality.”

Also speaking, the minister of state for works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda said the ministry is fully in support of the project. He however suggested for private sector participation in the board. “They are supposed to be in the main committee because they have done well in their various fields and that is the way to move forward.”

The board is expected to open countries such as Niger, Mali and Chad and bring about the transformation of Africa’s economy, unity, technological advancement, education, poverty alleviation and boost trade and cultural exchange between countries. 

It also has potential to create millions of jobs direct and indirectly for the teeming restive unemployed youths across the continent; the potential to provide clean water to millions of people along the route through the desalination plants; the potential for power generation through harnessing the abundant solar and wind energy, amongst others.

The board comprises of distinguished professionals from the continent of Africa and to be chaired by the NSE President, Engr. Balarabe Shehu while the initiator of the project, Dr. Newton Jibunoh will serve as the vice chairman.