KANO STATE MARKS WORLD DESERTIFICATION AND DROUGHTS DAY WITH STRATEGIC THREE-PLANTING INITIATIVE 18-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu In commemoration of World Desertification and Drought Day, the Kano State Ministry of Environment and Climate Change MOECC led by Commissioner Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim embarked on an official inspection tour of shelterbelts across the state.
The initiative is part of the state’s renewed commitment to halting and reversing desertification in Northern Nigeria.
The tour assessed the condition of existing green belts and identified critical areas for urgent ecological restoration.
According to him, desertification continues to pose a serious environmental and socio-economic challenge to the region, threatening both natural ecosystems and livelihoods.
Dr Hashim pointed out that, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has directed the Ministry to scale up its afforestation programmes through the launch of a statewide tree-planting campaign.
“This initiative is not just about planting trees; it is about protecting livelihoods, restoring ecosystems, and building a more climate-resilient Kano,”
He emphasized that shelterbelts serve as a frontline defense against land degradation and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing a sustainable environment for future generations.
The commissioner explained that, the campaign will focus on communities most vulnerable to desert encroachment, with support and participation from local government councils, traditional leaders, educational institutions, and youth-led groups.
“Kano’s efforts are in line with Nigeria’s national climate change strategy and support the global objectives of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)”
This year’s theme for World Desertification and Drought Day is:“Restore the land. Unlock the opportunities.”