Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has visited the Gayawa Gully Erosion site, pledging to address the environmental devastation and uplift the local community’s quality of life.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor stated that the visit marked a new chapter in tackling the longstanding erosion issues affecting the Bulbula-Gayawa community in Ungoggo Local Government Area, which also impacts Nasarawa and Fagge local government areas.
Governor Yusuf emphasized the urgency of addressing the gully erosion, which has claimed lives, destroyed farmlands, and posed severe risks to residents, especially children.
“The destruction caused by this erosion has inflicted immense hardship—from loss of farmlands to daily dangers faced by children going to school. The site has, tragically, also become a hub for criminal activity and witnessed heartbreaking incidents during the rainy season,” he stated.
Governor Yusuf assured the community that the administration is committed to addressing these erosion challenges as part of broader efforts to combat land degradation and climate risks across the state.
He highlighted that work will proceed under the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project, supported by the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He further revealed that preliminary groundwork for the erosion control measures is complete, with the project requiring billions of naira for full implementation.
The governor added that the state has taken significant steps to curb illegal sand mining and has launched extensive land restoration projects, including shelterbelt rehabilitation at Yanbawa and Sabongarin Ginzo.
“We have restored over 21,261 hectares of degraded land, established woodlot plantations, and introduced livelihood support programs to revitalize local economies. Beyond erosion control, these initiatives offer agricultural inputs and skill-building support to empower families and promote sustainable livelihoods in a safe environment,” the governor said.
In response, Hamza Nuhu, Village Head of Zango, expressed gratitude, noting that Governor Yusuf is the first to visit the erosion site. He prayed for the governor’s success in his efforts to bring development to Kano.