Desertification: Governor Yusuf Flags Off Distribution Of 5.5m Seedlings

Kano State governor, Alhaji Abba Yusuf, has kicked off the distribution of 5.5 million seedlings for planting across the state as part of the efforts to curb desert encroachment, climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature.
He said the ceremony took place on Sunday at the historic Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda local government area.

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 participate in the planting and actively protect and nurture the trees.
He quoted the governor as having 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 directed all local government chairmen to oversee the proper distribution and planting of the seedlings and 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 are 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.