Ogun State Government has expressed its readiness to cooperate with relevant stakeholders in the 2024 afforestation project targeted at planting two million trees
The State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun who expressed the readiness during the flag-off ceremony of year 2024 planting exercise, at Area J4 in Ijebu- East Local Government Area of the state, said that both agriculture and afforestation were of topmost priority to the present administration, towards ensuring food security in the state.
Oludotun, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji, underscored the need to checkmate ozone layer and erosion through provision of shelter, oxygen, source of income and beautification of the environment, among others.
He explained that farmers were allowed to plant farm produce like, maize and cassava in forest reserves because of the critical role they play in the agricultural sector, promising that government would continue to support afforestation in the state.
"They are our partners and we will continue to allow them (farmers) plant their crops in our reserves as long as they abide by our rules and regulations.
This includes planting of specified members of trees in the reserves and protection of same at all times", he said.
He enjoined residents of the state to replant at least, two trees, where one is cut, commending Omo Wood Processing Factory for embracing state government's vision of making various species of trees available in the area.
Speaking with newsmen at the ceremony, Administrative Manager of the Factory, Mr. Jacob Thomas, said his company would plant between 50,000 and 70,000 tree seedlings in more than 50 hectares of land already cleared for the purpose.
In their separate interviews, stakeholders, including Ijebu sawmills and timber contractors, farmers and community leaders, commended government for its support, appealing for distribution of free seedlings to boost productivity.
Other areas visited by the Permanent Secretary and top management staffs of the Ministry include, Ajebandele and Area J6 Forest Reserves.
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