Ogun State Government in partnership with two private wood processing industries, Omo Wood and Smart Wood Nigeria Limited has boosted its Afforestation drive with cultivation of 60 hectares of land in one of the forest reserves in the state.
Omo Wood through the partnership cultivated 50 hectares at its tree planting site in area J4 Forest Reserve cultivated while Smart Wood Nigeria Limited has also begun the cultivation of 10 hectares of land for the Afforestation project
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Forestry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji during an inspection tour of the two industries, said the development would create more jobs for the citizens and further improve the economy, as well as restore and regenerate forestry in the State, saying the wood processing industries were set to commence operations soonest.
Timothy said the Ministry was working towards stemming the tide of global warming, erosion, and ozone depletion through tree planting, appealing to the industries to ensure proper tree replanting to replace those that did not geminate, noting that the State was becoming a model in Nigeria in the aspect of forestry management.
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that the present administration was determined to harness various opportunities accruing in the forestry sector, calling on individuals, cooperate organisations, and private institutions to key into the investment drive of the government for the growth and development of the State.
‘’We are impressed with what we have seen here, but I want to appeal that you do proper maintenance, it is not all about planting but after planting, proper beating up must be done to replace those that did not geminate",he said
Speaking, the Operation Manager, Smart Wood Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sule Adekunle said when the industry begins full operation, it would provide 1000 jobs, as members of the local communities would be opportune to work in the plantation and the factory.
According to Adekunle,‘’ part of the factory’s Corporate Social Responsibility is to allow the host communities to participate actively in the operation of the industry, towards improving their well-being and socio-economic development of the State.
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