Ogun Govt Partners Private Firms To Boost Afforestation

Ogun State Government in conjunction with Toladus Nigeria Limited, a Wood processing and marketing company has flagged off planting of 2000 seedlings and afforestation of Arakanga Forest Reserve in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the State.

The State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun speaking during the planting ceremony, explained that the step was taken to promote green environment with private entrepreneurs whom he noted were desirous of partnering the State in achieving its set goals and objectives in revolutionising the State Forest reserves.

Engr. Oludotun, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Adekunle Oyesanwe, said the occasion marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts towards protecting and preserving the environment, noting that collaborative tree planting exercise was a testament to the commitment to sustainable development for future generations.

He applauded the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for the encouragement in partnering the private sector in restoring the forest, adding that the exercise would be replicated in other Senatorial Districts of the State.

"We must appreciate the State Governor for this gesture. What we are doing today will be a continuous exercise and it will be carried out in other zones in the State, "he said.

Engr. Oludotun stressed that apart from providing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting biodiversity, trees also play a crucial role in preventing soil erosion, regulating water cycles and supporting livelihoods.

He revealed that government would plant 1000 trees of different species in designated areas of reserve, particularly to replace old ones and promote sustainable forests management practices amongst others.

In his speech, a donor of the seedlings Chief Adetola Dosunmu, appreciated the State Government for believing in the private sector to make a turnaround in the afforestation bid of the Government, saying that steps taken by Government towards ensuring green environment are tasks which must be supported by all and sundry.

Highpoint of the event was the symbolic planting of seedlings by the Permanent Secretary, State Chairman, Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN) Otunba Jide Fakayode, Chief Tola Dosunmu and top officials of the Ministry.