Ogun warns against encroachment on forest reserves

Ekiti State Government  has announced that it would release N10m for reforestation this year, warning forest guards against conniving with poachers and people who cut trees illegally to deplete the state’s natural resources or deny the state of legitimate revenue.

At a meeting forest guards and revenue officers in Ado Ekiti, Governor Ayodele Fayose said, “Like we did during my first term in office, when we planted trees across the state, we are going to embark on the same exercise now. The sum of N10 million will be used for that purpose this year. We cannot continue to fell trees and not re-plant. Cutting down a tree is like cutting down a human life”, he said.

In a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor said anybody caught sabotaging government’s efforts would be severely dealt with.

Fayose noted that with dwindling statutory allocations from the Federal Government, the government had no option other than to look inwards to generate more income.

“If allocations from Abuja should stop coming, it does not mean that Ekiti State will be scrapped. We still have to exist as a state and our natural resources are what we need to fall back on.

“We don’t have crude oil but our forest reserves are some of the precious things we have. Anyone among you who collects money for people to cut tree illegally we be dealt with. You have put in many years into your career and I know you would not want all to go down the drain.

“To motivate you, we will provide 20 motorbikes to assist you in proper monitoring and on no account must anybody fail to remit any revenue collected as soon as you get it. Don’t go home with government money or spend it”.
Fayose added that he would ensure a conducive atmosphere for the workers, urging them to also reciprocate the gesture by putting in their best.

The Ogun State Government has warned communities sharing boundary with the State to stop encroaching into the state’s forest reserves, warning that trespassers would be dealt with in accordance with the rule of law.
The State Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal gave the warning while speaking with the residents of Odo-Oha in Imeko Afon Local Government area of the State, during a working visit to Imeko Forest Reserve.

Lawal said his visit to the reserve to enable him have first-hand information about the reserve and also to access the situation of the reserve, know the challenges militating against the maintenance and sustenance of the forest reserves as well as proffer solution to their plights