The Prince Dapo Abiodun-led government in Ogun State said it will plant thousands 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 supply.

Abiodun made the announcement while flagging off the maiden edition of the Ogun State Tree Planting Day with the theme “Greening Tomorrow, Today” at the State Secretariat in Okemosan, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Governor Abiodun said planting of trees annually to celebrate the state planting day will not only enrich the environment but also foster a culture of conservation among various communities in the state.

While reflecting on the crucial roles trees play in human existence, Abiodun said they are the lungs of the planets as they tirelessly work to filter the air used for breathing as well as offer shades on hot days, shelter for wildlife and improve the visual effects on the landscapes.

“This maiden edition of Tree Planting Day in our dear state is not just a ceremony, its a further commitment to our environment, our future and legacy for generations unborn especially with the state government’s promotion of the use of LPG and natural gas to replace firewood for cooking by the rural dwellers.

“This is not forgetting the introduction of twenty five per cent green space policy as condition for construction approvals, establishment of Ogun State Parks and Gardens Agency and the protection of forest cover with aggressive reforestation projects among others by our administration,” Governor Abiodun said.

He called on the residents of the state to support the government efforts at safeguarding the trees and stop indiscriminate felling of existing trees in their communities.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Ola Oresanya whose Ministry in conjunction with its Forestry counterpart put together the Maiden Edition of the Ogun State Tree Planting Day, said the importance of trees and plants in human existence are immeasurable as they serve for medicinal, ornamental and economic purposes that nurture the society.

While thanking the Federal Ministry of Environment, National Environmental Standard Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) and various Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for their support, Oresanya said Ogun State has the largest industries in Nigeria with over 6, 000 who daily give out emission.

He said there is the need to have eco-system and eco-balancing so that they can be taken-in through the plants.

In his remarks, Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, said his Ministry has always been in the forefront of replenishing the state’s forest reserves through planting of millions of trees.

The Commissioner said yearly planting of thousands of threes in urban and semi-urban areas of the state will increase the lifespan of residents of the state through the benefits provided by trees to human existence and well-being.

Credit: thenationonlineng.net