Tree Planting Day: Abiodun Calls for Collective Action to Protect Environment, combat Climate Change

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called on citizens, corporate organizations, and institutions to take collective responsibility in protecting the environment and mitigating the impacts of climate change through active tree planting.

Governor Abiodun made the call on Sunday during the commemoration of the 2026 Ogun Tree Planting Day, held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop in Abeokuta under the theme “Root for the Future: Plant a Tree, Heal the Earth.”

Represented at the event by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the Governor noted that climate change is no longer a distant threat, citing visible local impacts such as rising temperatures, persistent flooding, land degradation, and prolonged dry seasons.

“Tree planting is not merely placing seedlings into the soil; it is 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 stated.

He highlighted federal environmental initiatives led by President Bola Tinubu such as the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, National Clean Cooking Policy, and afforestation programs and reiterated Ogun State’s alignment with these goals through continuous investment in renewable energy, green infrastructure, and waste management.

Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, revealed that the state government has successfully resuscitated six previously moribund forest reserves, significantly boosting Ogun’s overall forest cover.

On his part, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, outlined the ecological benefits of trees including carbon capture, erosion control, and water conservation while urging young people to serve as “Environmental Champions” by planting trees in their schools, places of worship, and immediate communities.

The Ogun State Head of Service, Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, also encouraged public servants and residents across the state to adopt tree planting and nurturing as an integral part of their daily routine to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.