CITAD Advocates for Educational Awareness to Protect Threatened Trees, Plant Species in Kano
By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has emphasized the urgent need for increased educational awareness to protect threatened trees and plant species in Kano State.
This was highlighted during a public lecture held on Wednesday at the organization’s Kano office, titled “Educational Awareness and the Protection of Threatened Trees and Plant Species in Kano State, Nigeria,” delivered by environmentalist Sani Muhammad Khamees.
Speaking during the lecture, Khamees warned that plant species in Nigeria, particularly in Kano, are under severe threat due to climate change, habitat loss, and unsustainable human activities. He stressed that conserving trees and plant species is not only about preserving individual organisms but also about protecting the complex ecological networks that depend on them.
According to him, “Supporting research, conserving biodiversity, and promoting sustainable practices are essential to prevent the permanent loss of endangered plant species.” He noted that the preservation of plant life contributes significantly to the maintenance of ecosystems, human well-being, and environmental balance.
Khamees called on governments at all levels to implement and enforce robust environmental regulations, while urging communities to take active roles in conservation efforts. He stated that raising public awareness about biodiversity and the risks facing endangered species is vital for promoting support and participation in environmental protection.
In his call to action, Khamees emphasized that tree planting alone is insufficient without cultivating a sense of stewardship and commitment among the public. “We are engaging to provide basic awareness to people at the grassroots about the importance of plants and trees surrounding us,” he said.
He further explained that ensuring the long-term survival of trees and plants requires a comprehensive approach that includes habitat protection, restoration, management of invasive species, and collaboration among stakeholders. he said, they intend to inculcate scientific knowledge of habitat management among individuals and organizations involved in environmental conservation.
Khamees also advocated for the revival of traditional conservation ethics, which he described as vital for safeguarding rare, endangered, and threatened species, especially when local communities are empowered as key participants.
He concluded with a commitment to regular monitoring of endangered plant populations, assessing habitat quality, and evaluating conservation outcomes to guide future interventions.
Speaking earlier, Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Engr. Y. Z. Ya’u, emphasized the importance of tree protection as a crucial step in environmental preservation.
Ya’u recalled the public outcry that followed the proposed relocation of the Kano Zoo, noting that citizens urged the government to reconsider the decision.
He explained that if the land had been sold, property developers would have destroyed trees that have existed for over 200 years, stressing that such trees possess high carbon storage capacity which would take several decades to recover if lost.
The CITAD Director also highlighted that the loss of trees has contributed to the disappearance of some bird species in the state, citing vultures as an example of birds now rarely seen in Kano.
He expressed optimism that the lecture would inspire greater public interest in tree conservation, warning that reliance on cooking gas should not be viewed as a safer alternative, as it poses more environmental risks than tree felling.
