Ogun targets ecosystem restoration in annual tree planting

Ogun State is positioning tree planting as a driver of both climate resilience and economic growth, with Governor Dapo Abiodun saying the exercise goes beyond seedlings to restoring degraded ecosystems.

Speaking at the 2026 Ogun Tree Planting Day in Abeokuta, Abiodun said the initiative is a reaffirmation of the state’s responsibility to protect the environment while advancing development.

At the event, themed ‘Root for the Future: Plant a Tree, Heal the Earth,’ was organised by the State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry, the governor said Nigeria faces increasing pressure from deforestation, flooding and land degradation, and that state-led restoration efforts must run alongside industrial and infrastructure expansion.

Ogun, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing industrial hubs, has in recent years linked environmental programs to investment policy as it seeks to balance manufacturing growth with sustainability targets.

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Represented by Noimot Salako-Oyedele, his deputy, Abiodun said this year’s theme of the Ogun Tree Planting Day is particularly timely as climate change is no longer a distant concern as rising temperature, flooding, long dry season, land degradation and bio-diversity loss realities are increasingly affecting our communities, livelihood and economy.

He added that environmental stewardship is now an essential part of sustainable development.

He therefore commended administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,for prioritizing environmental sustainability through initiatives such as the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, National Clean Cooking Policy, Afforestation and Ecosystem Restoration, Climate Safe Investments and Carbon Market Development.

He said that Ogun remains committed to supporting these national objectives through her investment in afforestation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, waste management and environmental sanitation and improvement in flood control mechanism.

While appreciating the Ministries of Environment and Forestry for the yearly Ogun Tree Planting Day, Abiodun said programme has now grown beyond a government initiative to a statewide movement involving schools, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and individual citizens.

He urged them not to relent in promoting plant trees in the state but ensure that the trees matures through their commitment and nuturing.

Olanrewaju Saka, head of service, Ogun State, called all public servants in the state as well as corporate organisations, educational institutions , community leaders as well as residents of the state to make tree planting an integral part of their daily lifes.

Taiwo Oludotun, commissioner for Forestry, said the state government has resuscitated all the six forest reserves that were moribund before the inception of Abiodun-led administration came on board adding that the state now has a very good forest cover.

In his welcome address, Ola Oresanya, commissioner for Environment, said trees capture carbon- dioxide improve air quality, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, beautify our cities, and improve the physical and mental wellness of residents of the state hence the need to plant more trees as every seedling of tree planted is a practical investment in climate action and sustainable development.

He also encouraged residents of the state to nurture every tree seedlings,protect it from damage and monitor its growth while for students and young people who he called “Environmental Champions of Tomorrow,” Oresanya urged them to let their love for nature begins immediately by planting trees in their schools, places of worship and communities and encourage their friends to do the same in the overiding public interest.