Kano partners World Bank to combat erosion

The Governor of Kano State, Abba Yusuf, has visited the gully erosion site and pledged to address the environmental challenges affecting the Gayawa community to improve the lives of people in the area.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, said Yusuf made the pledge during a visit to the site on Friday.

Yusuf stated that the visit marked a new chapter in the journey to address the persistent environmental challenges that have plagued the community of Bulbula-Gayawa in Ungoggo Local Government, also impacting parts of Nasarawa and Fagge local government areas for decades.

He added that the urgent concerns raised by the devastating gully erosion required immediate and decisive action to protect the lives and properties of people in the community.

“The destructive effects of the gully erosion have not only claimed lives but have caused untold hardship, from the tragic loss of farmlands to the dangers children face as they travel to school,” Yusuf was quoted as saying in the statement.

“The site has regrettably become a place where criminal activities flourish, and the loss of children due to flooding during the rainy season is heartbreaking.”

He added that his administration is firmly committed to tackling the erosion challenges in Bulbula-Gayawa as part of a broader mission to address land degradation, environmental risks, and the impacts of climate change across the state.

The governor revealed that the project would be conducted through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes programme under the supervision of the state Ministry of Environment, in partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Government.

The governor also informed members of the community that the groundwork for the erosion control project had been completed and that it would require billions of naira to execute.

“These significant steps include the state government’s efforts to halt indiscriminate and illegal sand mining in several areas and to embark on extensive land restoration projects, including the rehabilitation of the shelter belt at Yannawa and Sabongarin Ginzo.

“The restoration of over 21,261 hectares of degraded land and the establishment of woodlot plantations have been instrumental in combating desertification, restoring land fertility, and promoting sustainable livelihoods for our people.

“Beyond controlling erosion, we are implementing community support programmes to revive livelihoods and rebuild what has been lost. Our livelihood support includes agricultural inputs and skills-building initiatives that will empower families and foster productivity in a secure and peaceful environment.

“The current administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind. Today, we are here to affirm that your voices have been heard, and we will work tirelessly to restore safety, security, and prosperity to Bulbula-Gayawa and its surrounding areas,” the governor assured.

Responding on behalf of the community, the village head of Zango, Hamza Nuhu, expressed appreciation for the governor’s concern, noting that he was the first state leader to visit the gully erosion site.