Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a bold move to combat desertification and restore the environment, has launched the distribution of 5.5 million tree seedlings across all 44 local government areas of the state.
The official flag-off ceremony took place at the historic Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda Local Government Area, a green landmark first established in 1972 by former Military Governor Audu Bako.
Governor Yusuf emphasised the importance of tree planting in reversing environmental degradation, noting that shelter belts like Yanbawa have long served as critical natural defences against desert encroachment.
He said, “We are here today to begin a significant environmental intervention that will impact not only Kano but neighbouring states. Tree planting is a duty we owe to future generations.”
He revealed that two major abandoned tree nursery centres, one in Mai Nikka, Gwarzo LGA, and another in Kafinciri, Garko LGA, have now been revived to support this large-scale greening initiative.
To ensure the project’s success, the governor directed local government chairmen to establish Tree Planting Committees within their Agriculture Departments and ensure seedlings are distributed to schools, religious centres, communities, and roadsides.
Highlighting the government’s broader environmental efforts, Yusuf disclosed that over 250,000 hectares of land had already been reclaimed under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project.
Also speaking, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam said the impact of tree planting will go beyond Kano to benefit the wider northern region. He reminded the public that Islam encourages planting trees, describing it as a deed that brings divine reward.
Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, reported that all 5.5 million seedlings being distributed this year were locally raised, an increase from last year’s 3 million.
Meanwhile, Chairmen of Dambatta and Makoda LGAs, Mr. Jamilu Dambatta and Auwal Jibga, pledged their commitment to the initiative and vowed to mobilise their communities for full participation.
In recognition of individual efforts in environmental advocacy, the governor also honoured two distinguished indigenes of Kano, Engr. Muntari Sulaiman and Dr. Abdulhamid Bala Sarauniya, for their contributions to preserving the environment.