Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
Poised to intensify its efforts to mitigate the effects of global warming and preserve the environment, the Ogun State Government has disclosed that it will plant no fewer than two million trees in 2024 across the state.
The Commissioner for Forestry in the state, Taiwo Oludotun, disclosed this on Wednesday, while speaking with newsmen at a tree planting advocacy campaign organised by a Non-Governmental environmental group, Waradi El-Shadai Creations in collaboration with the Ministries of Forestry and Environment as part of activities marking the 2024 World Environment Day.
Oludotun, represented at the event held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Forestry, Timothy Olatunji, said the state government has continued to place premium on the environment as well as forest reserves by planting trees to save human lives.
He noted that tree planting should not be seen as the business of the government alone, calling individuals to cultivate the habit of tree planting in their immediate environment.
The Commissioner added that trees, apart from their economic values, they help in the provision of oxygen, help in the reduction of green house emission and serve as wind breakers.
While commending the NGO for embarking on tree planting in strategic locations in the state capital, Oludotun said that Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved additional forest reserves to be established in the state, to demonstrate his passion for the preservation of the environment.
He further said everyone must take responsibility towards the attainment of a better society where everyone can live a healthy life.
On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, urged on the residents of the state to collaborate with state government on its efforts to fight against environmental degradation.
Represented by the Director, Environmental Conservation and Resources, Ministry of Environment, Mrs Durojaiye Mary Abosede, Oresanya said the state will use the 2024 World Environment Day to make calls to action on the preservation of the environment, rather than just a celebration.
He lauded the tree planting initiative by the NGO, disclosing a day will be set aside in the state for tree planting to promote green environments.
The founder, Waradi El-Shadai Creations, Waradi Etuk, explained that the NGO decided to embark on the tree planting to promote green infrastructure in the state and create awareness on tree planting in the society.
He noted that global warming and climate change is real, stressing that the time for everyone to take action is now and called on both the state and non state actors to synergize on actions that will promote preservation of the environment.
Etuk added that the organization has aligned with the ideals of the United Nations, thereby taking steps to restore and preserve the environment.
The environmentalist submitted that proper actions must be taken to conserve the environment to mitigate the effects of green house emission, warning that there will be adverse effects if the earth becomes too hot for human habitation.