Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State on Wednesday warned against indiscriminate cutting of trees without authorisation in the state.
Yusuf gave the warning during the launch of the 2024 tree planting Campaign held at Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu estate in Kumbosto Local Government Area of Kano on Wednesday.
The governor who emphasised on the importance of trees in human lives, said the initiative was aimed at planting over three million trees.
He urged the private sector, civil society groups and individuals to support the government’s efforts in building a healthy and safer environment.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, appealed to residents to plant trees in their homes, recalling the excessive heat experienced in the state in 2023.
“I urge each and every one of you to plant trees in your various houses and other places so as to protect our environment from the impact of climate change,” he said.
“You will all recall the heat wave we experienced some months back which made the environment uncomfortable for us, that was one of the effects of climate change.
“We should not allow the trend to continue and the only way to avert the reoccurrence or worsening of the heat wave is to endeavour to plant trees in our environment,” he said.
He said that by planting trees, the people of the state would be contributing to efforts to check the threat of desert encroachment.
The Emir commended the state government in its efforts in curtailing the effects of climate change in the state, including planting millions of tree seedlings across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Alhaji Nasir Garo, highlighted the importance of tree planting in combating climate change and ensuring ecosystem stability.