Ogun resuscitate 6 forest reserves, rallies citizens on 2026 tree planting day

The Ogun State Government has announced the resuscitation of all six forest reserves in the state that were moribund prior to the Dapo Abiodun administration, as part of renewed efforts to combat climate change and restore degraded ecosystems.

The disclosure was made on Saturday, during the commemoration of the 2026 Ogun Tree Planting Day, themed “Root for the Future: Plant a Tree, Heal the Earth”, organized by the State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry.

Speaking at the event, Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said tree planting goes beyond placing seedlings in the soil.

According to him, it is a reaffirmation of the collective responsibility to protect the environment and secure a future where economic progress and environmental sustainability advance together.

The Governor described the 2026 theme as timely, noting that climate change is no longer a distant concern.

“Rising temperatures, flooding, long dry seasons, land degradation and biodiversity loss are realities increasingly affecting our communities, livelihoods and economy. Environmental stewardship is now an essential part of sustainable development,” he said.

Governor Abiodun commended the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for prioritising 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 assured that Ogun State remains committed to supporting the national objectives through investments in afforestation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, and improved flood control mechanisms.

Abiodun noted that the tree planting programme has grown beyond a government initiative to a statewide movement involving schools, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and individual citizens, urging all stakeholders not to relent in promoting tree planting and to ensure that planted trees mature through commitment and nurturing.

In his remarks, the State Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Saka, called all public servants in the state as well as corporate organisations, educational institutions, community leaders and residents to make tree planting an integral part of their daily lives.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, confirmed that the state government resuscitated all six forest reserves that were moribund before this administration, adding that Ogun now has improved forest cover.

Meanwhile, his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment, Ola Oresanya, said trees capture carbondioxide, improve air quality, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, beautify cities, and improve the physical and mental wellness of residents of the state.

Oresanya harped on the need to plant more trees, arguing that 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, and urged young ones to let their love for nature begins immediately by planting trees in their schools, places of worship and communities.