Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged residents to embrace tree planting as a shared responsibility for protecting the environment, rehabilitating degraded ecosystems and safeguarding the future.
Abiodun made the call while delivering a keynote address 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 relevant given the growing impact of climate change on communities, livelihoods and economic activities.
He noted that the consequences of climate change were becoming increasingly evident through rising temperatures, flooding, prolonged dry seasons, land degradation and biodiversity loss.
“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 its efforts to promote environmental sustainability through programmes such as the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, National Clean Cooking Policy, Afforestation and Ecosystem Restoration, Climate Safe Investments and Carbon Market Development.
According to him, Ogun would continue to contribute to the national environmental agenda through investments in afforestation, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure, waste management, environmental sanitation and improved flood-control measures.
Abiodun also praised the Ministries of Environment and Forestry for maintaining the annual tree-planting programme, saying the initiative had expanded from a government programme into a statewide effort involving schools, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and individuals.
He encouraged participants to remain committed to planting trees and, more importantly, ensure that the seedlings survive by providing the necessary care and nurturing.
The Ogun State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, similarly appealed to public servants, corporate bodies, 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.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, outlined the role of trees in carbon capture, air-quality improvement, water conservation, erosion control and the creation of habitats for wildlife.
Oresanya said trees also enhanced the appearance of cities and supported the physical and mental well-being of residents, stressing the importance of expanding tree-planting activities across the state.
He called on residents to care for newly planted trees, protect them from damage and monitor their development.
Describing students and young people as “Environmental Champions of Tomorrow,” Oresanya urged them to take the lead in environmental protection by planting trees in schools, places of worship and communities while encouraging others to adopt the practice.