Ogun State is increasingly positioning forestry as a key driver of economic growth, with over five million trees planted across the State through strategic partnerships aimed at boosting livelihoods, investments, and environmental sustainability.
The State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, disclosed this during the International Day of Forests celebration themed “Forests and Economy” at the State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
According to the Commissioner, the large-scale tree planting initiative was not only addressing environmental concerns such as erosion and carbon emissions, but also creating long-term economic value for the State.
According to the Commissioner, forests remained critical economic assets globally, providing raw materials, employment opportunities and revenue streams. He emphasised that Ogun State’s investment in afforestation would stimulate economic activities across the forestry value chain, from timber production to allied industries.
Also speaking, the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, described trees as indispensable economic resources with direct impacts on public health and overall wellbeing. He stressed that indiscriminate tree felling undermined both environmental sustainability and economic potential, urging citizens to embrace responsible forest management and tree planting practices.
Onasanya further noted that sustained afforestation efforts would help to combat environmental degradation, while it would support the present administration’s commitment to economic diversification and natural resource development under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun.
In his welcome address, Permanent Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Oyesanwen, highlighted the expanding economic opportunities within the forestry sector, noting that tree planting would continue to attract investments and enhance value chain development across the State, calling for the need to safeguard forest reserves from illegal activities to ensure that they continue to serve their economic and ecological purposes.
Similarly, Chairman of the Forestry Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, Otunba Jide Fakayode, underscored the commercial benefits of tree planting, encouraging individuals and private investors to take advantage of forestry as a viable economic venture, added that beyond environmental benefits, trees played a vital role in improving air quality and supporting sustainable economic growth.
The event reinforced the State government’s commitment to leveraging forestry not just as an environmental tool, but as a strategic economic pillar for sustainable development.
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