Governor Kabir Yusuf.

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano state Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf has launched a 3-million tree planting initiative as part of efforts to checkmate and combat the effects of climate change in the state.

He also warned against the indiscriminate falling of trees across the state.

His Spokesperson, Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, described the tree-planting initiative as, “a robust effort to combat climate change and enhance urban beautification.”

Governor Yusuf officially launched the tree planting exercise aimed at planting 3 million trees on Wednesday.

Bature said,  “The campaign underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the detrimental effects of climate change, soil erosion, land degradation, and desertification, while also boosting agricultural productivity.”

According to Governor Yusuf during the launching: “The 2024 Tree Planting Campaign is designed to prevent indiscriminate tree felling and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It will protect our soils, enhance our agricultural lands, and combat desertification.”

He further hinted that Kano State aims to plant 10 million trees within the first term of his administration, “through a three-pronged strategy: engaging local government officials, traditional leaders, and households to ensure tree planting and nurturing; launching educational initiatives for young people from primary to tertiary institutions to instill the importance of tree planting; and involving civil servants, religious leaders, the business community, and political office holders in the statewide tree planting and management efforts.”

Governor Yusuf emphasized the government’s firm stance against unauthorized tree felling, warning that stringent measures will be taken against violators.

“We will not hesitate to bring to book anyone found cutting trees without the necessary permits from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change,” he warned.

He appealed to residents and people of Kano State,  “to support this vital exercise wholeheartedly and embrace the culture of tree planting for the collective good of our environment. Let us work together to keep our surroundings clean and safe.”

Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support from the people of Kano and called for continued cooperation to ensure the success of this and other initiatives by his administration.

In his remark The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, gave full support to the campaign, directing district, village, and ward heads to actively support and promote the initiative in their localities.

He highlighted the religious and environmental significance of tree planting, noting its crucial role in tackling the global challenge of climate change.