Kano Government Begins Fight Against Desertification with 5.5 Million Trees

The Kano State Government has launched a major tree-planting campaign to fight desertification and promote a greener environment.

On Sunday, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf officially flagged off the distribution of 5.5 million tree seedlings at the historic Yanbawa Shelter Belt in Makoda Local Government Area. This site was originally set up in 1972 by former military governor, Audu Bako.

According to a statement from the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the seedlings will be distributed to all 44 local government areas, and also shared with schools, religious centres, communities, and institutions.

“We are gathered today at Yanbawa Shelter Belt, one of the state’s oldest defences against desert encroachment. Sadly, it and many other nurseries were neglected for years,” the governor said.

Governor Yusuf said his government had already rehabilitated two major nurseries — one in Mai Nikka (Gwarzo LGA) and another in Kafinciri (Garko LGA) — as part of the effort to restore tree planting across the state.

He has also instructed all local government chairmen to form Tree Planting Committees under their agriculture departments. The governor ordered that trees be planted in schools, religious centres, and along major roads to ensure a cleaner and healthier Kano.