MAKODA, KANO STATE – August 4, 2025 — In a major environmental initiative aimed at curbing desert encroachment and restoring degraded ecosystems, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State on Sunday flagged off the distribution of 5.5 million tree seedlings across the state.
The launch took place at the historic Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda Local Government Area, a key site in Kano’s environmental heritage established in 1972 by former military governor Audu Bako.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf described the event as a turning point in the state’s environmental policy.
“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,” he said.
The seedlings are to be distributed across all 44 local government areas, with allocations also planned for schools, religious institutions, and communities, the governor announced.
Restoring Tree Nurseries and Expanding Green Coverage
Governor Yusuf noted that two major tree nurseries Mai Nikka in Gwarzo LGA and Kafinciri in Garko LGA have already been rehabilitated as part of the drive to reinvigorate tree planting efforts.
He directed all local government chairmen to form Tree Planting Committees under their Agriculture Departments and mandated that tree planting be incorporated into schools, mosques, churches, and along major roads.
“We are committed to building a resilient ecosystem for future generations,” Yusuf said. “I commend all our partners and stakeholders for their support.”
The initiative also supports the ongoing Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) programme, under which over 250,000 hectares of land have been reclaimed for environmental restoration.
A State-Wide, Faith-Driven Green Campaign
Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who also addressed attendees, stressed the religious importance of environmental care.
“Islam encourages tree planting, and those who do so are rewarded even after death,” he remarked.
Commissioner for Environment Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim highlighted that all 5.5 million seedlings were locally sourced, a notable increase from the 3 million trees distributed the previous year.
Local government chairmen, including Hon. Jamilu Dambatta (Dambatta LGA) and Hon. Auwal Isa Jibga (Makoda LGA), pledged full support for the governor’s environmental strategy.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to environmental conservation, Engr. Muntari Sulaiman and Dr. Abdulhamid Bala Sarauniya were honoured at the ceremony.
The governor’s green drive is seen as a critical step in protecting Kano’s fragile ecosystem and a model for climate resilience efforts in Nigeria’s arid northern regions.
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