Leadership (Abuja)
15 October 2007
Kebbi State Government has called for joint efforts between the state, Niger and Benin Republics in the fight against the menace of Quelea birds and other migrant pests.
The commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, Alhaji Aliyu Gwandu, made the call on Saturday in Birnin Kebbi after a 40-hour pesticide spray in 12 local government areas.
He also called for partnership with neighbouring states to check the menace, saying the state alone could not effectively control it.
He said the call had become imperative in view of the migrant nature of the pests, stressing that the pests moved from one country to another, causing havoc to farmers.
The commissioner observed that it was only through collaborative efforts that the fight against the scourge could be sustained.
He, however, commended the federal government for approving the 10-hour spray, while the state government approved an additional 30 hours spray period for effective job.
In his remarks, the Sokoto zonal pests control officer of the federal ministry of agriculture, Mr Jude Omoregbee, said a four-week ground survey was carried out by the ministry before the commencement of the spray to identify the routes of the pests.
He advised the people of the state to avoid eating dead birds or drinking contaminated water to safeguard their lives.
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