By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called for collective efforts toward tree planting, describing it as essential to protecting the environment, restoring degraded ecosystems and safeguarding the future.
Abiodun made the call at the 2026 Ogun Tree Planting Day held at the frontage of Orange Valley Estate, Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The event, organised by the state Ministries of Environment and Forestry, was held under the theme, “Root for the Future: Plant a Tree, Heal the Earth.”
The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said the theme was particularly relevant as the effects of climate change continued to impact communities, livelihoods and economic activities.
According to a statement issued by the Media Officer of the Ministry of Environment, Rotimi Oduniyi, and made available on Sunday, Abiodun said climate change was no longer a distant threat, with rising temperatures, flooding, prolonged dry seasons, land degradation and biodiversity loss increasingly becoming realities.
He said tree planting went beyond putting seedlings in the soil, stressing that it represented a shared commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development.
“Tree planting is not merely placing 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 governor said.
Abiodun commended the administration of President Bola Tinubu for its environmental sustainability initiatives, including the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, National Clean Cooking Policy, Afforestation and Ecosystem Restoration, Climate Safe Investments and Carbon Market Development.
He reaffirmed Ogun’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s environmental objectives through investments in afforestation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, waste management, environmental sanitation and improved flood-control measures.
The governor also commended the Ministries of Environment and Forestry for sustaining the annual tree-planting programme, noting that it had evolved from a government-led initiative into a statewide campaign involving schools, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and individuals.
He urged residents and participants to go beyond planting trees by nurturing them to maturity and ensuring their continued survival.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, urged public servants, corporate bodies, educational institutions, community leaders and residents to make tree planting part of their daily activities.
The Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, disclosed that the state government had revived all six forest reserves that were moribund before the commencement of the Abiodun administration.
He said the intervention had significantly improved Ogun’s forest cover.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, highlighted the importance of trees in capturing carbon, improving air quality, conserving water, controlling erosion and providing habitats for wildlife.
Oresanya added that trees also enhance the beauty of cities and contribute to the physical and mental well-being of residents, stressing the need for sustained tree-planting efforts across the state.
He urged residents to protect and nurture planted seedlings, monitor their growth and prevent them from being damaged.
Describing students and young people as the “Environmental Champions of Tomorrow,” the commissioner encouraged them to lead environmental protection efforts by planting trees in their schools, places of worship and communities while inspiring others to adopt the practice.
