The Ogun State Government has announced plans to plant thousands of trees annually to restore ecosystems, increase biodiversity and improve air and water quality across the state.
According to a statement, the announcement was made by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, while inaugurating the first edition of the Ogun State Tree Planting Day with the theme “Making Tomorrow Greener Today” held at the State Secretariat, Okemosan, Abeokuta on Sunday.
Abiodun stressed the important role of trees in sustaining human life, describing them as “the lungs of the planet”. He stressed that trees not only filter the air we breathe but also provide shade on hot days, shelter wildlife and add visual appeal to the landscape.
“This first edition of tree planting day in our beloved state is not just a ceremony,” Abiodun explained
The governor also referred to the state’s broader environmental initiatives, including the promotion of LPG and natural gas instead of firewood for cooking in rural areas, the introduction of a 25 percent green space provision in building permits, the establishment of the Ogun State Parks and Gardens Agency and aggressive reforestation projects.
These measures are all part of a concerted effort to protect the environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.
“This is another commitment to our environment, our future and our legacy for future generations, especially by promoting the use of LPG and natural gas by rural people as a substitute for firewood for cooking. Not to forget the introduction of a 25 percent green space provision as a prerequisite for building permits, the establishment of the Ogun State Parks and Gardens Agency and the protection of forest cover through aggressive reforestation projects, to name a few, by our administration,” he added.
Residents of Ogun State have been urged to support government efforts by protecting newly planted trees and stopping the indiscriminate felling of existing trees.
Commissioner for the Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, underlined the immense importance of trees.
He pointed out their medicinal, ornamental and economic value, especially in a state like Ogun, which is home to over 6,000 industries that contribute to emissions.
“The balance of the ecosystem must be maintained and trees play a crucial role in this,” said Oresanya.
The Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, reiterated the ministry’s commitment to replenish the state’s forest reserves, pointing out that the planting of thousands of trees annually would significantly benefit the health and well-being of the state’s residents.
