Ogun State Government says it is targeting planting of a million trees at across the state as part of measures being taken to ensure a sustainable and safe environment for every one
The State unfolded its plan to have 10 hectares of green parks to further make the environment greener, beautiful and healthier for residents
Governor Dapo Abiodun and the State Commissioner for Environment, Dr.Ola Oresanya revealed these in their separate remarks on Saturday during the flagging off of the 2025 Ogun Tree Planting Day in Abeokuta, which has its theme: "Grow Trees, Sustain Life", organized by the ministry in collaboration with other relevant ministries including Ministry of Forestry, Ministry of Physical and Urban Development that of Housing and Community Development
Governor Abiodun represented by the State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun stressed the importance of tree planting under the ISEYA mantra of his administration saying economic growth and environment sustainability must go hand in hand
He disclosed that 500 youths spread across the State's 20 local governments would be trained and involved in the tree planting exercise while calling on every resident in the state to imbibe the culture of planting trees, so as to reduce temperature and make the environment safer for all, given the status of the state as industrial capital of Nigeria
Prince Abiodun added that his administration would continue to work with corporate organizations and other stakeholders to preserve the existing forest reserves and encourage aforestration to ensure sustainable environment
The State Environment Commissioner had earlier in his welcome speech, revealed that the 10 hectares of green parks would be executed in partnership with cement giant, Lafarge Africa PLC in the next five years to reduce temperature and produce natural oxygen for humans existence
Planting trees according to him, will mitigate against devastating effects of flooding and other natural disasters particularly in urban areas such as Ogun with the largest concentration of industries in the country
"Planting trees in urban areas will protect infrastructure and makes the greener and safer for human existence ", he stated
The Commissioner maintained that his ministry would continue to work closely with the housing ministry to ensure various housing estates being developed include tree planting in the projects
Oresanya revealed plans to institute awards ceremony for industries, schools and Community Development Associations where those with outstanding contributions to trees planting will be honoured
Similarly, the State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Town Planner Tunji Odunlami assured that his ministry would continue to give the needed support to ensure trees are protected in the urban renewal project of the state
Also the Olowu of Owu-Kingdom, Oba(Prof.) Saka Adelola Matemilola represented by Olori Aminat lauded the tree planting initiative of the ministry, pledging his support for healthier and safer environment in communities across the state
The State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Forestry, Mr. Kunle Oyesanwe stressed the need for every individual to be an agent of change by encouraging tree planting
Other supporting partners including Lafarge Africa, Nigeria Conservative Foundation, Institute of Landscape Horticulture and members of National Youth Service Corps in Sagamu in their various goodwill messages expressed support for the initiative
Highpoint of the event included symbolic planting of trees by Governor Abiodun representative, Environment Commissioner and Olori Aminat and other stakeholders
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