Dapo Abiodun

FILE: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has described tree planting as a collective responsibility to protect the environment, restore degraded ecosystems and secure the future.

Abiodun, according to a statement issued by the Ogun State Government and made available to PUNCH Online on Sunday, stated this while delivering a keynote address at the commemoration of the 2026 Ogun Tree Planting Day, themed “Root for the Future: Plant a Tree, Heal the Earth,” organised by the state Ministries of Environment and Forestry at the frontage of Orange Valley Estate, Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said the theme was timely as the effects of climate change were increasingly affecting communities, livelihoods and the economy.

Abiodun said the theme was particularly timely, noting that climate change was no longer a distant concern as rising temperatures, flooding, prolonged dry seasons, land degradation and biodiversity loss were increasingly affecting communities, livelihoods and the economy.

“Tree planting is not merely placing of seedlings into the soil but a reaffirmation of our collective responsibility to protect the environment, restore degraded ecosystems and secure a future where economic progress and environmental sustainability advance together,” the statement quoted Abiodun as saying.

The governor commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for prioritising environmental sustainability through initiatives including the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, National Clean Cooking Policy, Afforestation and Ecosystem Restoration, Climate Safe Investments and Carbon Market Development.

He said Ogun remained committed to supporting the national objectives through investments in afforestation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, waste management, environmental sanitation and improved flood-control mechanisms.

Abiodun also commended the Ministries of Environment and Forestry for sustaining the annual tree-planting programme, saying it had grown beyond a government initiative into a statewide movement involving schools, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and individual citizens.

He urged participants to sustain tree planting efforts and ensure that planted trees matured through proper commitment and nurturing.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, called on public servants, corporate organisations, educational institutions, community leaders and residents to “make tree planting an integral part of their daily lives.”

The Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, said “the state government had resuscitated all six forest reserves that were moribund before the commencement of the Abiodun administration”, adding that “Ogun now had a good forest cover.”

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, highlighted the environmental benefits of trees, including” carbon capture, improved air quality, water conservation, erosion control and the provision of habitats for wildlife.”

Oresanya also said trees beautified cities and contributed to the physical and mental well-being of residents, stressing the need for more tree planting across the state.

He urged residents to nurture every tree seedling, protect it from damage and monitor its growth.

Calling students and young people “Environmental Champions of Tomorrow,” Oresanya urged them to begin their commitment to environmental protection by planting trees in their schools, places of worship and communities and encouraging others to do the same.