The Queen Consort to the Alaafin of Oyo, Ayaba Abiwunmi Owoade, has urged Nigerians to embrace tree planting and reforestation as critical solutions to the global climate crisis, stressing that trees play a vital role in sustaining life, protecting the environment, and boosting local economies.

Speaking at the launch of a tree-planting programme held at the ancient Alaafin’s Palace in Oyo, as part of weeklong activities marking the Ogun Pepe Memorialisation, Ayaba Owoade described reforestation as “a powerful weapon against environmental degradation and climate change.”

The Ogun Pepe Memorialisation, which began this week, celebrates the bravery of the Oyo people who resisted British colonial invasion in 1895, during the reign of Alaafin Adeyemi Alowolodu I. The conflict, named “Ogun Pepe” after the sound of gunfire, has since become a symbol of Yoruba defiance and courage against colonial oppression.

This year’s commemoration, organised by Oba (Engr.) Abimbola Akeem Owoade I and the memorial committee chaired by Dr James Ojebode, features lectures, plays, prayers, candlelight ceremonies and environmental campaigns such as the palace tree-planting drive led by the Queen Consort.

In a statement issued by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, the Queen Consort said trees are “champions in absorbing carbon dioxide” and “nature’s air purifiers,” adding that forests act as carbon sinks capable of absorbing about 30 per cent of global emissions annually.

“When we cut down trees or burn forests, all that carbon pollution gets released into the air. Yet, trees not only clean our air but also house millions of species that protect us from diseases,” she said.

Highlighting the role of trees in temperature regulation, Ayaba Owoade noted that “air temperature under trees can be up to 25 degrees Fahrenheit cooler than surrounding areas,” and that planting trees in urban centres can drastically reduce energy use and mitigate the heating effects of concrete.

“With more than half of the world’s population living in cities, where poor air quality and limited shade worsen health conditions, we must act fast to beat the heat,” she added.

The Queen Consort, who is also a professional nurse, said trees improve respiratory health by absorbing harmful pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and particulate matter.

Citing World Health Organisation (WHO) data, she lamented that nine out of ten people globally breathe polluted air, leading to millions of preventable deaths annually.

She also stressed the economic benefits of reforestation, explaining that tree-based industries and eco-tourism can create jobs and support local livelihoods through sustainable harvesting and production.

“Reforestation projects go beyond environmental benefits. They generate income, employment and promote sustainability. Timber from responsibly managed forests can serve industries like construction and furniture production,” Ayaba Owoade stated.