From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Ministry of Forestry in conjunction with a wood processing and marketing company has flagged off planting of 2,000 seedlings to boost afforestation in Arakanga Forest Reserve in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the state.
Speaking at the flag off ceremony of the event, the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, said the step was taken to promote green environment with private entrepreneurs who he noted were desirous of partnering the state in achieving its set goals and objectives in revolutionising Ogun forest reserves.
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.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Adekunle Oyesanwe, Oludotun, explained that the occasion marked a significant milestone in the collective efforts towards protecting and preserving the environment.
He further noted that the collaborative tree planting exercise was a testament to the commitment to sustainable development for future generations.
The Commissioner commended the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, for the encouragement in partnering the private sector in restoring the forest, adding that the exercise would be replicated in other Ogun West and Ogun East senatorial districts of the state.
He, however, disclosed that the state government will plant 1,000 trees of different species in designated areas of the Araknga Forest Reserve, particularly to replace old ones and promote sustainable forests management practices amongst others.
The donor of the tree seedlings, Adetola Dosunmu of Toladus Nigeria, appreciated the state government for believing in the private sector to make a turnaround in the afforestation bid of Ogun.
He pointed out that steps taken by the state government towards ensuring green environment are tasks which must be supported by the private sector.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic planting of seedlings by the Permanent Secretary, the Ogun State Chairman, Forestry Association of Nigeria, Jide Fakayode, Tola Dosunmu and top officials of the Ministry of Forestry.
