By Usman Usman Garba
Governor Abba Kabir has visited the Gayawa Gully Erosion site and promised to address the environmental challenges and improve the lives of the people in the area.
In a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor made this promise during a visit to the site on Friday.
Governor Yusuf said that the visit marked the new chapter in the journey towards addressing the persistent environmental challenges that have plagued the community of Bulbula- Gayawa for in Ungoggo Local Government, which also affected parts of Nasarawa and Fagge local government areas for decades.
He added that the urgent concerns raised by the devastating gully erosion necessitated immediate and decisive action to protect the lives and properties of the people in the community.
“The destructive effects of the gully erosion has not only claimed the lives but has inflicted untold hardship from the tragic loss of farmlands to the dangers faced by the children as they travel to school.” Gov. Yusuf emphasised
“The site has regrettably become a place where criminal activities flourished and the loss of children due to flooding during the rainy season, it is heartbreaking,” the governor lamented.
He added that his administration is firmly committed to tackling the erosion challenges in Bulbula-Gayawa as part of the larger mission to address land degradation, environmental risks and impacts of climate change throughout the state.
Governor Yusuf revealed that the work would be done through the Agro-climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscape (ACReSAL) under the supervision of the state Ministry of the Environment, which enjoys a strategic partnership with the World Bank and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The governor also informed the members of the community that the groundwork for the erosion control had been completed, and it would require billions of naira to execute.
“Significant steps were taken by the state government to halt indiscriminate and illegal sand mining activities in several areas and embarked on extensive land restoration projects, including the rehabilitation of the shelterbelt at Yanbawa and Sabongarin Ginzo.
“The restoration of over 21,261 hectares of degraded land and the establishment of wood lot plantation, this initiative have been instrumental in mitigating desertification, restoring land fertility and promoting sustainable livelihood for our people.
“Beyond controlling erosion, we are implementing community support programmes to revive livelihoods and rebuild what has been lost. Our livelihood support includes agricultural inputs and skill-building initiatives that will empower families and foster productivity in a secure and peaceful environment.
“The current administration is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind. 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,” the governor assured.
In his response on behalf of the community, the Village Head of Zango, Malam Hamza Jibrin Nuhu, appreciated the concern shown by the governor, disclosing that Governor Yusuf was the first and only governor who visited the Gully Erosion site.
He also prayed for the governor and wished him success in all the good policies planned for the development of Kano.
