Gov. Ibikunle Amosun of the western Nigerian state of Ogun on Saturday said his government would plant 50 million trees as part of effort to provide friendly environment for the people.
Amosun, who spoke during the launching of the “Ogun Goes Green Walk’’ in Abeokuta, said the initiatives would enable the environment to be more friendly.
“The programme is aimed at restoring the dwindling environment to support our survival as human race and to ensure that Ogun goes green.nIndeed, the essence of this initiative can never be over-emphasised as man’s continued existence depends largely on his immediate environment.“Human beings need oxygen to survive and produce carbon dioxide as a waste product into the environment.Trees and plants generally need this carbon dioxide waste to survive and help keep the atmospheric balance.
“The tree planting at this time could not have been more apt as our dear state is working toward excellently rated healthy and industrial-friendly environment.Nigeria, as one of the most populous country in Africa, has been committed to pursuing realistic policies of balancing human needs against the carrying capacity of the environment, including its resources.
“Undoubtedly, Going Green is the right strategic choice and our dear state has continued to play a very important role in achieving this objective,’’ he said.
Amosun also said that incessant climate change demands adequate policy framework and effective measures.
“l urged you all to cultivate the habit of protecting our environment through planting of trees to secure our environment against degradation, deforestation and decline of biodiversity,’’ he said.
In her remark, the Chairman, House Representatives Committee on Environment, Rep. Uche Ekwenife, said the Federal Government had released money to some states in the north to confront challenges of deforestation.
She said the gesture would be extended to the South West soon.
“I will take back to the house what I have seen here today. I want to assure you that you have our support in your effort to make the environment friendly,’’ she said.
The Speaker of Ogun House of Assembly, Suraj Adekunbi, said the assembly would ensure adequate legislation in support of the project.
Adekunbi said enabling laws to protect the trees were necessary to make them serve the purpose for which they were planted.
The governor and his wife, Funsho, and the Deputy Governor, Mr Segun Adesegun, flagged off the initiatives by planting trees at the premises of MKO Abiola Stadium.
Amosun and a renowned environmentalist, Newton Jibunoh, thereafter, led other top government functionaries to attend the walk in the metropolis, which started at 7:30 am.
