Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to a large-scale tree planting initiative, aiming to restore ecosystems, promote biodiversity, and combat climate change by planting thousands of trees annually in urban and suburban areas.
This effort also seeks to improve air and water quality.
During the launch of the inaugural Ogun State Tree Planting Day, themed “Greening Tomorrow, Today,” at the state secretariat in Okemosan, Abeokuta, the governor, represented by Head of Service Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, made this announcement.
Represented by the Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, the governor said, “Planting of trees annually to celebrate the state tree planting day will not only enrich the environment but also foster a culture of conservation among various communities in the state.”
Reflecting on the crucial roles trees play in human existence, Abiodun described trees as “the lungs of the planets as they tirelessly work to filter the air used for breathing as well as offer shades on hot days, shelter for wildlife and improve the visual effects on the landscapes.”
He elaborated, “This maiden edition of the Tree Planting Day in our dear state is not just a ceremony, it’s also a further commitment to our environment, our future and legacy for generations unborn, especially with the state government’s promotion of the use of LPG and natural gas to replace firewood for cooking by the rural dwellers.
“We are also not forgetting the introduction of a 25 percent green space policy as a condition for construction approvals, the establishment of Ogun State Parks and Gardens Agency and the protection of forest cover with aggressive reforestation projects, among others, by our administration.”
Abiodun, therefore, urged the residents of the state to assist the government’s initiatives by protecting the trees and preventing the indiscriminate cutting down of trees in their neighborhoods.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, stated that his ministry, in collaboration with the forestry department, organized the inaugural Ogun State Tree Planting Day. He emphasized that the significance of trees and plants for human life is immeasurable.
Oresanya explained that trees provide medicinal, decorative, and economic benefits that enrich society.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, mentioned that his ministry has consistently led efforts to restore the state’s forest reserves by planting millions of trees.
