Abba Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, has visited the gully erosion site and committed to address the environmental difficulties confronting the Gayawa community in order to enhance the lives of its residents.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Tofa, stated that Yusuf made the vow during a visit to the site on Friday.
Yusuf noted that the visit represented a new chapter in the quest to address the long-standing environmental issues that have affected the village of Bulbula-Gayawa in Ungoggo Local Government, as well as parts of Nasarawa and Fagge Local Governments, for decades.
He stated that the serious issues generated by the destructive gully erosion demanded prompt and decisive action to preserve the lives and homes 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,” the statement cited Yusuf as saying.
“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 also stated that his administration is fully committed to addressing the erosion concerns in Bulbula-Gayawa as part of a larger commitment to address land degradation, environmental dangers, and the effects of climate change throughout the state.
The governor announced that the initiative would be carried out through the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes programme, which is overseen by the state Ministry of Environment and is a collaboration with the World Bank and the Federal Government.
The governor also informed people of the community that the foundation for the erosion control project had been laid and that it would cost billions of naira to finish.
“These substantial moves include the state government’s efforts to prohibit indiscriminate and illegal sand mining in various locations, as well as start on extensive land restoration projects, such as the rehabilitation of the Yannawa and Sabongarin Ginzo shelter belts.
“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 the rest.
“In addition to limiting erosion, we are establishing community support projects to restore livelihoods and reconstruct what has been lost. Our livelihood assistance includes agricultural inputs and skill-building programs that will empower people and increase productivity in a safe and peaceful environment.
“The new administration is determined to ensure that no community is left behind. Today, we are here to promise you that your concerns have been heard, and we will work diligently to restore safety, security, and prosperity to Bulbula-Gayawa and its neighboring territories,” the governor stated.
The village head of Zango, Hamza Nuhu, responded on behalf of the community, expressing thanks for the governor’s attention and noting that he was the first state leader to visit the erosion site.
