Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf on Sunday, flagged off the distribution of 5.5 million tree seedlings as part of his administration’s renewed push to combat desert encroachment and promote environmental sustainability.
The flag-off ceremony was held at the historic Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda Local Government Area, a site originally established in 1972 by the late military governor, Audu Bako.
In a statement issued by Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, he quoted the governor to have said the tree seedlings would be distributed across all 44 local government areas of the state and shared further with schools, communities, and relevant institutions.
“We have gathered here today at the historical Yanbawa Shelter Belt, one of Kano’s strongest and oldest defences against desertification. Unfortunately, in recent years, these shelter belts and tree nurseries were neglected,” the governor said.
He disclosed that his administration had already rehabilitated two major nurseries – one in Mai Nikka, Gwarzo LGA, and another in Kafinciri, Garko LGA – to revive tree planting efforts across the state.
Yusuf directed all local government chairmen to immediately establish Tree Planting Committees within their Agriculture Departments. He also mandated that tree planting be extended to schools, religious centres, and major roads to support a cleaner, greener, and healthier environment.
Highlighting ongoing environmental restoration projects, the governor revealed that over 250,000 hectares of land have so far been reclaimed under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme.
“We are committed to building a resilient ecosystem for future generations, and I commend all our partners and stakeholders for their support,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo described the project as not only vital for Kano but also crucial to the survival of neighbouring states like Kaduna.
“Islam encourages tree planting, and those who do so are rewarded even after death,” he said.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim said all 5.5 million trees distributed this year were locally grown, representing a significant increase from the 3 million seedlings shared in the previous year.
The chairmen of Dambatta and Makoda LGAs, Hon. Jamilu Dambatta and Hon. Auwal Isa Jibga, respectively, pledged their commitment to the administration’s green initiatives.
Meanwhile, two prominent Kano indigenes — Engr. Muntari Sulaiman and Dr. Abdulhamid Bala Sarauniya — were honoured during the event by the governor for their outstanding contributions to environmental conservation.
