Environment

In what many have described as a timely and well-deserved elevation, the appointment of Malam Aminu Gidado Yusha’u as the new Project Coordinator for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in Kano State has sparked joy and renewed optimism among staff, stakeholders, and colleagues alike. As a Corps Member currently serving under this groundbreaking World Bank-supported initiative, I write on behalf of my fellow team members, young professionals, field officers, and support staff whose daily interactions with Malam Aminu have given us firsthand insight into his leadership style, work ethic, and genuine commitment to sustainable development. Before his appointment, Malam Aminu served as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the project, a role in which he distinguished himself through his discipline, precision, and results-driven approach. His ability to listen, coordinate, and motivate has endeared him to both senior colleagues and field-level teams. Read Also:  Aminu Gidado Yusha’u Appointed Kano ACReSAL Project Coordinator The ACReSAL project, a collaborative effort involving the World Bank, the Federal Government, and 19 northern states including the FCT, aims to address pressing climate challenges, particularly in semi-arid regions. The role of a Project Coordinator in this context goes beyond office administration but requires vision, integrity, patience, and technical know-how. In Malam Aminu, we are confident these qualities converge. For many of us, especially youth corps members, his rise is not only inspirational but a reminder that merit and hard work still speak volumes. We have watched him closely always early, always thoughtful, and consistently calm in navigating complex project dynamics. We are grateful to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, for endorsing this forward-looking appointment, and to Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, the immediate past coordinator and now Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, for his guidance and mentorship that paved the way for a smooth transition. As Malam Aminu Gidado Yusha’u assumes this new mantle, we offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. May this role be a launchpad for even greater contributions to climate resilience and community development in Kano State and beyond. On behalf of all corps members and colleagues at ACReSAL Kano, we pledge our support and look forward to a productive and impactful journey ahead. Written by Fatima Abdullahi Malle.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved the appointment of Aminu Gidado Yusha’u as the substantive Project Coordinator for the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative in the state. ACReSAL is a collaborative project between the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the 19 northern states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). It is designed to address environmental degradation and promote climate resilience across semi-arid regions of the country. Yusha’u’s appointment follows the elevation of the former Project Coordinator, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, who was appointed earlier this year as a commissioner and member of the Kano State Executive Council. Related: Kano Environment Ministry Begins Early Desilting, Moves Toward Waste Management Reforms In a congratulatory message issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahir M. Hashim, described Yusha’u’s appointment as well-earned, citing his professionalism, commitment, and prior contributions to the project. “Your appointment comes as no surprise, considering your dedication and consistent hard work. I am confident in your capacity to drive progress, align with His Excellency’s vision, and ensure the project achieves its objectives,” the statement read. Dr. Hashim wished him success in the new role and expressed optimism about the project’s future under his leadership. Until his appointment, Aminu Gidado Yusha’u served as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the Kano ACReSAL Project. He is an alumnus of Science College, Dawakin Tofa, and holds a degree in Geology from Bayero University, Kano. He has also completed several postgraduate programmes relevant to his field.

The Kano State House of Assembly is set to investigate allegations leveled against the Chairperson of Tudun Wada Local Government and Kano State ALGON representative, Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Yusha’u, following reports of alleged farmland seizure in the Gurfa Forest area. According to a report by Freedom Radio, the move follows a petition submitted by a group of farmers who accused the local government leadership under Hajiya Sa’adatu of forcibly taking over their farmlands located in Tudun Wada Local Government Area. The Majority Leader of the House, Alhaji Lawan Hussaini Chediyar Yan Gurasa, confirmed the development after receiving the petition presented by a human rights and justice advocacy group on behalf of the affected farmers. Read Also: Bappa Gaya Assumes Administrative Leadership of Sumaila Local Government Speaking during the session, the group’s leader, Sa’id Bin Usman, said the land dispute had generated significant tension in the area. “People are living in fear and confusion. The farmers have been cultivating these lands for years, but now they are being forced out without any proper explanation or compensation,” Sa’id said. Some of the affected farmers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, voiced their frustration. “We are just ordinary farmers. All we want is to be allowed to work on our land in peace,” one said. Another added, “This land is our only source of livelihood. If they take it from us, where do we go?” The farmers expressed hope that the House of Assembly would intervene and ensure justice. “We trust the Assembly will hear our voices and act in fairness,” one farmer said. Hajiya Sa’adatu Salisu Yusha’u currently serves as Chairperson of the Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON), Kano State chapter. She is also the only female among the 44 local government chairpersons elected in October last year under the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). (Kano Times)

As part of activities marking the 2025 Desertification and Drought Day, the Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to combating desert encroachment and promoting climate resilience through aggressive afforestation and land restoration programs. The State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, gave the assurance in a personally signed statement issued on Tuesday. Dr. Hashim made the remarks during a working visit to ‘Yan Bawa in Makoda Local Government Area, home to one of Nigeria’s largest shelterbelts. Read Also: Kano Environment Ministry Begins Early Desilting, Moves Toward Waste Management Reforms He revealed that more than 75,000 seedlings are currently being nurtured in the area under the government’s 2025 Five Million Tree Planting Campaign, an ambitious environmental initiative aimed at reversing land degradation and enhancing community resilience. “This effort aligns with the vision of His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to restore degraded lands, empower rural communities, and build long-term climate resilience across the state,” the statement read. Highlighting the urgent threat posed by desertification and drought to lives and livelihoods, the Commissioner emphasized that expanding shelterbelts is a key strategy in safeguarding Kano’s ecological and agricultural future. “Every tree we are planting today is a step toward securing our future economically, ecologically, and socially,” Dr. Hashim stated. He urged the public to actively support the afforestation drive, noting that land restoration holds the key to improved biodiversity, food security, and sustainable rural development.

Residents of Dan Madanho community in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State have issued a passionate appeal to both the state and local governments for the urgent rehabilitation of their dilapidated access roads, especially as the rainy season sets in. During an engagement with the Zonal Information Officer for Gezawa, Jamilu Mustapha Yakasai, the community members expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of the road linking Dan Madanho to Zango and other adjoining settlements. They noted that the road has become increasingly impassable, posing serious transportation challenges for both residents and commuters, especially during the rainy months. The residents lamented the hardship they face transporting farm produce, accessing health services, schools, and markets, warning that unless immediate steps are taken, the situation may worsen and further isolate the community. Read Also: Photos: Tinubu Inaugurates Greater Abuja Water Project to Expand Clean Water Access Speaking on behalf of the community, Alhaji Isah Dan Madanho, a respected elder and community leader, emphasized the economic and social significance of the road. He explained that the route connects several key communities and holds the potential to significantly improve local commerce, agricultural movement, and inter-community relations if rehabilitated. “This road is not just a path, it is a lifeline for our people. Our traders, farmers, students, and even emergency health cases depend on it. We urge Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and our local government officials to prioritize this urgent need,” Alhaji DanMadanho stated. In response, the Chairman of Gezawa Local Government Area, Alhaji Mukaddas Bala Jogana, acknowledged the concerns of the residents and assured them that the project is receiving attention at the state level. He noted that he has been in close communication with the Kano State Ministry of Works, under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner, to ensure that the rehabilitation of the Dan Madanho to Zango Road commences as soon as possible. “We understand your frustration, and I assure you that we are not resting. The road is on our list of priorities, and we are engaging the necessary authorities to see to its completion. I urge everyone to remain hopeful and continue supporting government efforts,” Jogana stated. Read Also: Beyond the Headlines: The Untold Truth behind Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Clashes Beyond the Dan Madanho to Zango route, the residents also reminded the government of the previously pledged construction of the Dakata to Rangaza to Bela Road, which links to Dan Madanho. They said completing this project would ease their movement to Kano city, especially during the rainy season when most local roads become flooded or completely washed away. The community, while expressing their dissatisfaction over the state of infrastructure, also acknowledged and appreciated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s developmental strides in other key sectors, such as healthcare, education, and youth empowerment. They appealed to the governor not to overlook the pressing infrastructure needs in rural communities, which are critical to achieving inclusive development. The meeting ended with a renewed call for collaboration between citizens and government, with residents pledging their continued support for policies and initiatives that uplift the lives of the people of Kano State.

Kano State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, has disclosed that the ministry has commenced early desilting efforts across communities to prevent flooding ahead of the rainy season. He noted that the initiative responds directly to resident notifications through a structured feedback process. While addressing journalists, Dr. Hashim stated that the ministry is operating independently without formal collaboration with federal agencies, emphasizing that swift intervention is critical. “Time is of essence. In the past, desilting happened late in the season. We are now acting before the rain starts to avoid complaints from the public,” he said. Read Also: Beyond the Headlines: The Untold Truth behind Nigeria’s Herders-Farmers Clashes On waste management, the commissioner reported significant progress in reducing roadside dumping, attributing the success to a targeted eight-week sensitization campaign currently in its sixth week. He announced that enforcement would follow, backed by traditional rulers, the Council of Ulamas, and community stakeholders. Looking ahead, Dr. Hashim hinted at upcoming reforms, including plans to privatize waste management under a circular economy model. However, he stressed that the ministry is proceeding cautiously to avoid repeating past policy failures.