Environment

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.