By Firdausi Abubakar

The Africa Institute of Waste Management and Environmental Studies has honoured Kano Project Coordinator, Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim with a prestigious leadership award, tagged “The Eco-Management Fellow”.

SolaceBase reports that the event was held at the project office in Kano on Thursday.

The Institute Ambassador, Dr Sani Hussaini, said the merit award was given to Dr Dahir due to his commitment and efforts in safeguarding the ecosystem, even prior to his appointment as a project coordinator.

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‘’Moreover, since he assumed office over a year ago, the award recipient has introduced many laudable initiatives addressing land degradation, erosion control measures and provision of boreholes to needed communities, ‘’Dr. Hussaini said.

‘’Similarly, Dr. Dahir Hashim has collaborated  with the institute to train students on waste management.’’

‘’This recognition highlights the contributions of ACReSAL and its team in driving innovative waste management solutions in Kano and beyond.’’

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Speaking shortly after the award, Dr. Dahir stressed the importance of instilling environmental consciousness in children through the “Catch Them Young” approach.

He highlighted that many environmental challenges caused by human activities stem from a lack of awareness.

He also disclosed Kano-ACReSAL’s plan to target 30 schools under the “Catch Them Young” initiative. This initiative aims to create lifelong environmental stewards who can champion environmental causes in their communities and beyond.

Dr. Dahir dedicated the recognition to the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf. He attributed the project’s success to the governor’s commitment and unwavering support in creating an enabling environment for the people of Kano State.

He also extended his gratitude to the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) team for their roles and contributions to the project’s achievements.

Dr. Dahir highlighted some of Kano-ACReSAL’s accomplishments, including the recovery of over 30 hectares of degraded land through the planting of 3 million seedlings across the state. These efforts have led to the rehabilitation of shelter belts, the establishment of woodlots and orchards, and the training of over 9,000 farmers in the Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR) model.

The Executive Secretary of the Watershed Erosion and Climate Change Management Agency (WECCMA), Dr. Muhammad Salisu Khalil, commended the institute for recognizing individuals contributing significantly to environmental conservation.

Other individuals recognized and awarded alongside Dr Dahir Muhammad Hashim included Dr. Muhammad Salisu Khalil (ES-WECCMA), Prof. Baba Nabegu, Dr. Garba Saleh Ahmad, and Dr. Sabitu Sa’adu Da’u.