Headlines
Kano Launches Three Million Trees Planting Initiative to Combat desertification
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
The Kano State Government, led by Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant three million trees within the next year.
The initiative, called the Three Million Trees Planting (3MTP) program, is driven by the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project in Kano.
At a press briefing on Friday, Dr. Dahiru Muhammad Hashim, the coordinator for the ACReSAL project, emphasized the critical need to address climate change and environmental degradation in the region.
He noted that the program aims to significantly improve air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and mitigate urban flooding and desertification caused by unchecked deforestation.
Governor Yusuf, who has actively participated in multiple tree-planting campaigns during his first year in office, highlighted the essential role of trees in environmental health.
“Trees are the lifeblood of any community. They provide clean air, regulate temperatures, and prevent soil erosion, thus combating climate change,” he stated.
The 3MTP initiative will involve planting one million seedlings for avenue planting along major roads in Kano and distributing them to local communities, institutions, and public organizations.
This community-driven approach seeks to encourage widespread participation and empower residents to enhance and take ownership of their neighborhoods.
Early efforts under the initiative include the planting of 5,000 seedlings along key roads such as State Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, and BUK Road. The program also plans to plant an additional two million trees through afforestation projects and the establishment of new shelter belts to combat desertification and promote food security.
The 3MTP initiative will partner with community-based organizations, NGOs, and civil society groups, as well as provide comprehensive training sessions to ensure effective tree planting, monitoring, and evaluation.
The government is also developing legislative measures to prevent indiscriminate tree felling and enforce penalties for violations, ensuring the survival and protection of the newly planted trees.
Governor Yusuf has extended an invitation to all Kano residents, including journalists and various organizations, to participate in the tree-planting campaign and contribute to a greener and more resilient Kano.
The program, described as the first of its kind in Kano, underscores the state government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and proactive climate action.
Headlines
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Headlines
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Headlines
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Ibrahim Khalil
A dramatic political moment unfolded in Kano on Tuesday as former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje publicly acknowledged Muhammad Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and Chairman of the Kano State Council of Emirs.
KANO FOCUS reports that the unexpected gesture occurred during the swearing-in ceremony of the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Murtala Sule Garo, at Government House, Kano—an event attended by top political leaders and traditional rulers.
While delivering his goodwill message, Ganduje addressed Sanusi by his full royal title, drawing immediate attention from dignitaries at the ceremony. The audience responded with loud applause when he greeted the Emir and recognised his position as head of the Kano Emirate Council.
The development is particularly significant given the long-standing rift between the two figures. Sanusi was removed from the throne during Ganduje’s administration, a decision that sparked widespread political and legal controversy at the time.
However, the political landscape shifted following the emergence of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, under whose administration Sanusi was reinstated as Emir of Kano.
Observers say Ganduje’s public acknowledgment signals a possible easing of tensions and may point to broader efforts at reconciliation within Kano’s political and traditional institutions.
The moment has since been described by analysts as a “twist of fate” in Kano politics, where former rivalries appear to be giving way to cautious gestures of respect among key actors.
