Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun has unveiled plans to plant one million trees and establish 50 hectares of green recreational parks before the end of the current planting season, in a bid to promote sustainable development and tackle climate change.
Speaking at the flag-off of the Ogun State Tree Planting Day on Sunday, themed “Grow Trees, Sustain Life”, Abiodun—represented by Commissioner for Forestry Taiwo Oludotun—said the initiative will provide fruit and medicinal resources, reduce urban temperatures, curb flooding, and protect the ozone layer.
“Today we are not just planting trees, we are planting hope and the future of our state,” he said, adding that the programme aligns with his administration’s ISEYA agenda, particularly in Agriculture and Social Development.
The governor also announced a “One Citizen, One Tree” campaign across all 20 local government areas and partnerships with corporate organisations to create the green parks.
Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, described the exercise as “strategic, scientific, and survival-driven,” revealing plans to work with industries, integrate tree planting into school curricula, and reward institutions excelling in planting and maintenance.
As Nigeria’s most industrialised state, Oresanya said Ogun is committed to cutting its carbon footprint and preventing climate-related disasters.
The event, attended by state officials, private sector partners, and conservation groups, ended with symbolic tree planting and the distribution of hundreds of seedlings to local governments, estates, voluntary groups, and communities for further planting.
