Lagos marks Tree Planting Day in schools

Schools across Lagos State last week joined their counterparts from around the country to mark the 2016 Tree Planting Day.

In his address to the mark the day at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), the state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, said the 2016 campaign with the theme, “Lend a Hand to Save Trees,” became imperative because of the peculiarity of the state as a coastal city-state.

Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the governor said the fast growing urban development areas across the state must curtail the uncontrolled felling of trees and ensure all developers adhere to all the town planning and greening regulations.

Rector of the college, Dr. Margaret Ladipo, in her remarks commended the state government for retaining the campaign initiated by the former governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, saying the retention will contribute to the transformation of Lagos into a greener, healthier, safe and orderly megacity.

Ladipo, who was represented by the Deputy Rector (ACAD), Mr. Innocent Akhuemonkan, regretted that “Trees are fell indiscriminately without replacement and this has exposed the environment to erosion and other natural and environmental disasters.

“We share the passion of the LASG on this project, as we acknowledge the benefits inherent in tree planting which includes provision of shade, wind brakes, prevention of flood and desert encroachment, as well as reducing the effect of global warming among others.”

At the at Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education (AOCOED), Oto/Ijaanikin, where the event also took place, Ambode urged Nigerians to embrace tree planting as one of the most reliable and cheapest means of combating the effect of global warming and climate change.

Represented by the provost of the institution, Dr. Ladele Aina Omolola, the governor said that tree planting is very important for our environment because trees provide oxygen, cool the atmosphere, help conserve energy, save water, prevent erosion, save our children from ultra-violet rays, provide food among others.

“Today’s event which is simultaneously taking place in 87 locations in the 57 local government areas and other ceremonial sites, is aimed at ensuring that the state is able to meet the target of 10 million trees by 2016. The state government is solidly behind this year’s theme: “Lend a Hand to Save Trees.”

The provost in her opening remarks said, “I look forward to ascertaining how each of us, no matter in which capacity we serve, and as what, can help to crossbreed the principles and the benefits of tree planting. It is only when we fully integrate the culture of planting and preserving trees then, can we begin to avert the gradual end of the world that we cherish so much.”