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…..Over 2.5 million people have benefited from livelihood support, land, says Gov Radda
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched the deployment of climate-resilience equipment under the Agro-Climate Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project to strengthen environmental sustainability across the state.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony on Wednesday in Katsina, Governor Radda announced the deployment of 38 tractors, 4,000 clean-cook stoves, five Bobcat machines, heavy-duty trucks, payloaders and a swamp buggy to boost sanitation, climate resilience and agricultural productivity.
“This is not just about commissioning equipment, but about renewing our duty to protect land, water and the environment for future generations,” the Governor stated.
Governor Radda revealed that under ACReSAL, more than 30,000 hectares of degraded land have been restored, while over 2.5 million people have benefited from livelihood support, land restoration and service-delivery projects.
He disclosed that ACReSAL has executed storm-water drainage projects in Katsina, riverbank protection works in Jibia, water-harvesting systems, and provided 180 solar-powered boreholes for water supply and irrigation.
The Governor added that the state government procured 80,000 tonnes of fertilizer, improved seeds, herbicides and mechanisation equipment to boost food production and combat desertification.
“Through these investments, we are equipping our communities, ministries and local governments with the tools they need to keep Katsina clean, safe and environmentally sustainable,” Governor Radda said.
He disclosed that swamp buggies are being deployed for dam and canal development, while nurseries in Dikke, Kabukawa and Daura have been rehabilitated for large-scale seedling production to restore vegetation cover and curb desert encroachment.
Governor Radda explained that ACReSAL has constructed water-conservation structures at Sabon Layi Galadima in Faskari and strengthened logistics support, ICT facilities and institutional capacity for ministries and partner agencies.
The Governor urged residents to embrace responsible environmental habits, warning against indiscriminate waste disposal and tree destruction.
“We must protect our trees, practice climate-smart agriculture and stop indiscriminate waste disposal if we truly care about the future of this state,” he said.
He assured that his administration would build a cleaner, healthier and more resilient Katsina State where the environment is a blessing, not a burden.
The ACReSAL State Project Coordinator, Engr. El-Sunayes, disclosed that 4,000 energy-efficient stoves were procured to reduce reliance on firewood, protect planted trees and curb deforestation, especially in rural areas.
He added that ACReSAL procured Bobcats for drainage desilting, waste-disposal trucks, tractors and payloaders, stressing that the impact on sanitation, flood reduction and urban hygiene will be practical and long-lasting.
In her remarks, Commissioner for Women Affairs Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi said the clean stoves will promote safer cooking, reduce dependence on firewood, protect the environment and improve family health.
Commissioner for Environment Hon. Hamza Suleiman described the programme as a major milestone towards a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable Katsina State.
The ceremony attracted members of the State Executive Council, traditional rulers, legislators, senior government officials, youth organisations and community leaders.
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