Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has flagged off the distribution of 5.5 million trees for planting across the state with aimed at halting desert encroachment.
Flagging off the distribution at Yanbawa Mokoda Local Government Area on Sunday, Governor Yusuf said all the 44 local government areas would receive their share for onward disbursement to books and cronies of the state.
This was contained in a statement issued by Governor’s Spokesman Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Sunday.
“We have gathered here today at the historical Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Mokoda Local Government Area of Kano State, a landmark site originally established in 1972 by former Military Governor Audu Bako of blessed memory.”
“For many years, this shelter belt has stood as one of Kano’s strongest defenses against the advancing desert and for environmental protection,” the governor acknowledged.
Governor Yusuf noted that the shelter belt had been neglected over time but praised the current administration for taking steps to address the state’s environmental challenges since assuming office.
He lamented that prior to 2023, there were no functional nursery shelter belts in the state.
However, he added, “we have recently rehabilitated two key nurseries at Mai Nikka in Gwarzo and Kafinciri in Garko Local Government Areas for the benefit of humanity.”
The governor directed all local government chairmen to constitute a Tree Planting Committee under their Agricultural Departments to ensure the proper distribution and planting of the trees.
He also instructed that the trees be distributed to schools, religious sites, and streets to promote a cleaner, safer, and friendlier environment.
The governor also disclosed that through the efforts of AcreSal, over 250,000 hectares of land have been restored.
He thanked all stakeholders supporting the government’s efforts to protect the environment and ensure the safety of its citizens.
On his part, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo stated that tree planting across the state would not only protect Kano but also neighboring states like Kaduna from desert encroachment.
He added that Islam encourages people to plant trees for the benefit of humanity, as it attracts rewards from God Almighty.
Earlier, the state Commissioner of Environment, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, informed the governor that the 5.5 million trees were all locally produced.
Dr. Hashim noted that while only three million trees were distributed for planting last year, this year’s effort would almost double that number with the governor’s support.
The Chairmen of the Dambatta Jamilu Dambatta and that of Mokoda Ali Haruna Makoda Local Government Areas both assured their continued support for the administration’s vision and mission.
Meanwhile during the occasion two Kano State indigenes Engr. Muntari Sulaiman and Dr. Abdul Hamid Bala were honoured for their contributions to environmental preservation.
