Desertification: Kano Gov Flags Off Distribution Of 5.5m Tree Seedlings

Kano State governor, Alhaji Abba 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, climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

According to a statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, the ceremony took place on Sunday at the historic Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda local government area of the State.

At the event, the governor stressed the urgent need to protect the environment and emphasised the critical role of tree planting in building a greener, safer, and more climate-resilient state.

“This campaign is not just about planting trees; it is about planting hope for the future,” he said. “By working together, we can combat desertification, restore our natural ecosystems, and protect future generations.”

He called on all citizens, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups, schools, market associations, and religious bodies to not only participate in the planting but also actively protect and nurture the trees.

Bature quoted Governor Yusuf to the have 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.

He further directed all local government chairmen to oversee the proper distribution and planting of the seedlings and to establish monitoring committees to ensure the trees are watered and cared for.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Hashim revealed that the 5.5 million trees distributed this year were all locally grown at state-run nurseries which had been dormant prior to the current administration.

He said through the World Bank-supported ACReSAL project, two major nurseries, located in Mainika (Gwarzo) and Kafinciri (Garko), were revived and now central to the tree planting initiative.

Dr. Hashim further 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.