Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has flagged off the distribution of 5.5 million tree seedlings for planting across the state as part of efforts to curb desert encroachment and promote environmental sustainability.
The flag-off ceremony took place on Sunday at the historic Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda Local Government Area.
Governor Yusuf announced that all 44 local government areas in the state would receive their allocation of trees for further distribution to schools, communities, and other relevant institutions.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Governor’s Spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.
”We have gathered here today at the historical Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda LGA of Kano State, a landmark site originally established in 1972 by the former Military Governor, Audu Bako of blessed memory,” Governor Yusuf stated.
He described the shelter belt as one of the state’s oldest and strongest barriers against desertification, noting its long-standing role in protecting the environment.
The Governor expressed concern over the neglect of shelter belts and tree nurseries in recent years but commended his administration for taking urgent steps to reverse the trend.
“Before 2023, there were no functional shelter belt nurseries in the state.
However, we have recently rehabilitated two major nurseries, one at Mai Nikka in Gwarzo and another at Kafinciri in Garko, for the benefit of humanity,” he said.
To ensure the success of the initiative, Governor Yusuf directed all local government chairmen to set up Tree Planting Committees under their respective Agriculture Departments.
He also instructed that trees be planted in schools, religious centers, and along streets to promote a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.
Highlighting the state’s broader environmental restoration efforts, the governor disclosed that over 250,000 hectares of land have already been reclaimed through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
He expressed appreciation to all partners and stakeholders contributing to environmental protection and the safety of Kano’s citizens.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo emphasized that large-scale tree planting will not only safeguard Kano but also benefit neighboring states such as Kaduna by reducing the spread of desertification.
He added that Islam encourages tree planting, promising divine rewards for those who do so.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, revealed that the 5.5 million trees distributed this year were all locally grown.
He noted that this figure represents a significant increase from the 3 million seedlings distributed last year, attributing the improvement to the governor’s continued support.
Chairmen of Dambatta and Makoda LGAs, Hon. Jamilu Dambatta and Hon. Auwal Isa Jibga respectively, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government’s environmental agenda.
Meanwhile, two distinguished indigenes of Kano State, Engr. Muntari Sulaiman and Dr. Abdulhamid Bala Sarauniya were honoured during the event for their outstanding contributions to environmental preservation by the Governor Yusuf.
