In a determined effort to combat the escalating challenges of desertification, desert encroachment, and climate change, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has issued a stern warning against the indiscriminate cutting of trees within the state.
Speaking at the Central Eid Ground in Kofar Mata, Kano Municipal Local Government Area on Tuesday, Governor Yusuf emphasized that his administration is unwavering in its commitment to tackle environmental issues ranging from pollution control to erosion prevention.
Governor Yusuf’s resolute stance came to the fore as he marked the commencement of the 2023 Tree Planting Campaign in Kano State by planting over an astounding 1.28 million tree seedlings.
This ambitious campaign is set to span a two-week period, covering strategic areas including Amana City, Kwankwasiyya City, State Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Hadejia Road, Gwammaja Layin Bukar Makoda to Masaka Primary School, Unguwar Dabai, and Chalawa Industrial area.
Additional sites on the campaign itinerary include the GGSS Jambaki/Bela Erosion site, School of Health Technology, Kano, and GGSS Kuka Bulukiya.
Governor Yusuf underlined the gravity of the situation, warning that individuals caught engaging in unauthorized logging without the state Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s approval will face arrest and prosecution.
The governor’s directive aims to curtail the detrimental effects of deforestation while advocating for sustainable land management practices.
Underscoring his administration’s commitment to environmental preservation, Governor Yusuf stressed, “Our administration has accorded top priority to the environmental sector, particularly biodiversity conservation, restoration of degraded lands, and addressing climate change concerns.”
He cited ongoing projects such as the Sustainable Kano Project (SKP) and Kano State Afforestation Project (KNAP) as pivotal endeavors fostering social development and afforestation across the state.
Governor Yusuf tasked the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change with intensifying efforts to raise awareness among stakeholders about the imperative role of tree planting.
Furthermore, the governor highlighted the Kano State Government’s partnership with the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi Arid Landscape Project (ACReSAL) to counter climate change challenges effectively.
Embracing a holistic approach, Governor Yusuf expressed his administration’s dedication to re-establishing the Refuse Management and Sanitation Board (REMASAB).
By repairing equipment and commissioning new facilities, the state government aims to manage waste sustainably and align with global best practices.
In his rallying call to the public, Governor Yusuf urged collective responsibility in nurturing the newly planted trees to achieve a greener and cleaner Kano.
He championed the need for carbon footprint reduction through widespread tree planting efforts.
Appreciating the support of Magajin Garin Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Nasiru Wada, Governor Yusuf acknowledged the donation of 100,000 seedlings as a commendable contribution towards mitigating climate change and safeguarding the environment.
Alhaji Nasiru Garo, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, highlighted the event’s core objective of enhancing adaptive capacity to counter soil erosion, climate change, and biodiversity loss.
Garo emphasized the critical role of trees as carbon sinks, playing a pivotal role in regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
He noted, “The more trees planted, the cleaner the air will be, and the air would be pure and free of toxins if there were sufficient oxygen.”
In conclusion, Garo encapsulated the significance of trees in fostering a healthier environment, reinforcing their role as “natural partners for healthy living.”
Governor Yusuf’s resolute commitment to combatting environmental challenges through comprehensive initiatives underscores Kano State’s determination to create a sustainable future for its residents.