In a bid to tackle severe gully erosion affecting parts of Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf has announced a strategic partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Government to implement a large-scale erosion control project in the Gayawa area.
During a recent visit to the Gayawa gully erosion site, Governor Yusuf expressed his administration’s commitment to addressing the environmental hazards that have plagued the Bulbula-Gayawa community in Ungoggo Local Government Area, which also impacts nearby Nasarawa and Fagge LGAs.
“This visit marks a new chapter in the journey toward resolving the persistent environmental challenges that have burdened this community for decades,” Yusuf stated. “The devastating effects of gully erosion have not only taken lives but have also brought untold hardship, from the tragic loss of farmlands to the daily dangers faced by children as they travel to school.”
Governor Yusuf explained that the urgent need to address the erosion crisis in Bulbula-Gayawa led to a partnership with the World Bank through the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) program, supervised by the State Ministry of Environment. “The groundwork for this erosion control project is complete, but it will require billions of naira to execute,” he said, underscoring the project’s scale.
The governor also highlighted the administration’s efforts to curb illegal sand mining, which he described as a “significant threat” to the environment, while emphasising initiatives to restore over 21,261 hectares of degraded land and establish new woodlot plantations.
“The state government has taken significant steps to halt indiscriminate sand mining and has embarked on extensive land restoration projects, including shelterbelt rehabilitation at Yanbawa and Sabongarin Ginzo,” he noted. “Beyond controlling erosion, we are implementing community support programs to revive livelihoods and rebuild what has been lost.”
He assured residents that the state’s comprehensive environmental strategy includes agricultural input programs and skill-building initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable livelihoods. “We are committed to ensuring that no community is left behind,” the governor said. “Today, we are here to affirm that your voices have been heard, and we will tirelessly work to restore safety, security, and prosperity to Bulbula-Gayawa and its surrounding areas.”
In response, the Village Head of Zango, Malam Hamza Jibrin Nuhu, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s visit and dedication, stating, “Governor Yusuf is the first and only governor to visit this gully erosion site. His concern for our community is deeply appreciated.”
Nuhu also prayed for the governor’s success and endorsed the administration’s commitment to addressing the community’s needs.
