Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has launched the distribution of 5.5 million tree seedlings to tackle desert encroachment and promote environmental sustainability across the state.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the flag-off ceremony was held on Sunday at the historic Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda Local Government Area, a location established in 1972 as a buffer against desertification.
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Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf announced that all 44 local government areas would receive their share of the seedlings, which are to be distributed to schools, communities, and other institutions.
“This shelter belt was established in 1972 by the late Military Governor Audu Bako. It stands as one of our oldest defenses against desertification,” the governor said, lamenting the past neglect of similar environmental assets across the state.
He noted that before his administration took office in 2023, functional shelter belt nurseries had ceased to exist in the state. However, his government has since revived two key nurseries, one in Mai Nikka, Gwarzo LGA, and another in Kafinciri, Garko LGA to support reforestation efforts.
As part of the campaign, Governor Yusuf directed all local government chairmen to establish Tree Planting Committees under their respective Agriculture Departments. He also urged the planting of trees in schools, places of worship, and along major roads to help create a cleaner and healthier environment.
Highlighting progress under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, he revealed that more than 250,000 hectares of land had already been reclaimed in Kano.
Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who also addressed the gathering, emphasized that the tree planting initiative will not only benefit Kano but also neighboring states like Kaduna by reducing the spread of desertification. He also cited Islamic teachings that encourage tree planting and reward such efforts.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, disclosed that the 5.5 million seedlings distributed this year were all cultivated locally, a major leap from the 3 million shared last year.
Chairmen of Dambatta and Makoda LGAs, Hon. Jamilu Dambatta and Hon. Auwal Isa Jibga, pledged full support for the tree planting programme in their respective councils.
Meanwhile, two prominent Kano citizens namely Engr. Muntari Sulaiman and Dr. Abdulhamid Bala Sarauniya were honored by Governor Yusuf for their dedication to environmental protection.
