Kano Sizzles as Deforestation Worsens Heatwave

By Ibrahim Kasimu Dadi

Kano metropolis, with its millions of residents, is struggling to cope with the harsh heat period due to the scarcity of tree plantations in the city. Prime Time News investigated the plight of residents and the Kano Ministry of Environment’s efforts to ‘Make Kano Green’.

Residents like Mustapha Haruna Abu lamented the shortage of trees, which affects the quality of life in Kano. “Kano is a well-populated city that needs more trees to be planted, which would increase the level of ventilation and reduce the temperature,” he said.

He advocated for a policy to checkmate unlawful deforestation and encouraged individuals to plant at least one tree. “My advice to people cutting down trees in Kano metropolis is that I can’t say they should totally stop because it may be their source of income, but they should always replace them by planting multiple trees for the ones they cut down,” Mustapha advised.

Ismail Auwal, Convener of Make Kano Green, a non-governmental organization, emphasized the importance of tree planting and awareness about climate change.

“Our platform is keen about issues of climate change affecting Nigeria, more specifically Kano. The organization tends to curb the menace of climate change by planting trees and also raising awareness of young people on the importance of tree planting and dangers of deforestation” Auwal said.

He urged citizens to plant trees and engage the government to make policies surrounding tree felling.

The Kano State Ministry of Environment, through its Public Relations Officer, Isma’ila Garba Gwammaja, said the ministry organizes sensitization programs to educate residents about the importance of tree planting.

“The ministry usually organizes sensitization programs, telling people of Kano the importance of planting trees in Kano metropolis.” He saif.

Adding that the state government has adopted afforestation strategies, including planting trees to mitigate the harsh weather.

“This year’s weather is quite different from the previous years, looking at the daily increase in sun degrees. Everyone knows the situation is very bad because of the excessive heat the city is experiencing, which sometimes the sun’s degree is reaching 43 or 44 Celsius” the PRO noted.

Gwammaja disclosed that some of the measures that Kano state government, under the leadership of Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, to mitigate the harsh weather in Kano include planting of trees. “The program implemented by the state government will be a continuous activity until when Kano becomes green,” he revealed.

The P.R.O. further noted that cutting down trees without the ministry’s consent is a punishable offense. “Anybody that wants to cut down a tree must inform the ministry of environment to inspect the place and know the reason for cutting down the tree, and if the reason is genuine, then the ministry will give permission for felling the tree.”

Gwammaja called on the general public to support the move employed by the Kano state government on planting trees. “I’m calling on the public to single-handedly plant a tree in front of their house, water it, protect it from animals and children until it grows; for this alone can solve the problem of heat in Kano metropolis.” Gwammaja lastly said.