Towards ensuring environmental sustainability, Ogun State government has launched the maiden edition of Tree Planting Day, to plant many trees and raise awareness on its importance.
Speaking on the theme of the event, “Growing Tomorrow, Today”, in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, announced that there would be yearly planting of trees across urban and sub-urban areas of the state, to restore its eco-systems, enhance biodiversity, combat climate change and improve air and water quality.
Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Governor Abiodun said planting trees annually to celebrate the Tree Planting Day would not only enrich the environment but foster a culture of conservation among various communities.
The Governor called on the residents to support government in its efforts at safeguarding trees, warning that indiscriminate felling of existing trees in their communities should stop.
Speaking, Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya, highlighted the crucial role tree planting plays in maintaining future of the state.
Mr. Oresanya said the initiative was part of government’s commitment to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development, saying the day would inspire citizens to take action in preserving the state’s natural resources for generations to come.
’’We gather to celebrate a crucial aspect of our existence, that is the preservation of our ecosystem and eco-balancing. As we launch the Ogun Tree Planting Day, let us preserve this tradition, not just for ourselves, but for future generations. Trees are the lungs of our planet, providing oxygen and replenishing our underground water sources’’, the Commissioner stated.
He urged residents to plant trees to commemorate social events, such as birthdays, weddings, and celebrations of loved ones, among others, in other to restore the beauty and wonder of natural landscapes, emphasising the need to work together and make the vision a reality.
Earlier, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Sam Oyeleye, stressed the crucial role of collective action in sustaining the drive of tree planting, adding that the practice of tree planting would enhance beautification of the environment, prevent environmental disasters, such as flooding, mitigate health issues caused by pollution, including cardiovascular diseases in humans and restore nature and the ecosystems
Also speaking, President of Junior Chamber International (JCI), Dr. Hassan Kafidipe, who appreciated the state government for the move, said it would go a long way in job creation, promising to support various government programmes and encourage youths to embrace the initiative.
The State Coordinator, National Environmental Standard Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mr. Aliu Kehinde, underscored the vital role of tree planting in combating climate change, emphasising its significance to human survival, provision of food and sustenance, offering shelter and habitat for diverse species.
Other dignitaries who performed the symbolic tree planting were the Special Adviser to the Governor for Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Oluwadare Kehinde, Senior Special Assistants to the Governor on Environment Mr. Femi Akinwunmi, and Alh Farouk Akintunde, among others.
