The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has described tree planting as a collective responsibility to protect the environment, restore degraded ecosystems and secure a future where economic progress and environmental sustainability advance together.

The Governor stated this while delivering a keynote address at the commemoration of the 2026 Ogun Tree Planting Day themed: “Root for the Future:Plant a Tree,Heal the Earth” put together by the State Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Ministry of Forestry at the frontage of the Orange Valley Estate,Olusegun Obasanjo Hilltop, Oke-mosan, Abeokuta.

Represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun said this year’s theme of the Ogun Tree Planting Day is particularly timely as climate change is no longer a distant concern as rising temperature, flooding, long dry season, land degradation and biodiversity loss realities are increasingly affecting our communities, livelihood and economy, adding that environmental stewardship is now an essential part of sustainable development.

He therefore commended administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for prioritizing environmental sustainability through initiatives such as the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan, National Clean Cooking Policy, Afforestation and Ecosystem Restoration, Climate Safe Investments and Carbon Market Development saying that Ogun State remains committed to supporting these national objectives through her investment in Afforestation, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Agriculture, Green Infrastructure, Waste Management and Environmental Sanitation and Improvement in Flood Control Mechanism.

While appreciating the Ministries of Environment and Forestry for the yearly Ogun Tree Planting Day, Governor Abiodun said the programme has now grown beyond a government initiative to a statewide movement involving schools, tertiary institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and individual citizens, urging them not to relent in promoting tree planting in the state but ensure that the trees mature through their commitment and nurturing.

For the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr Olanrewaju Iskeel Saka, he called all public servants in the state as well as Corporate Organizations, Educational Institutions, Community leaders as well as residents of the state to make tree planting an integral part of their daily lifes while the Commissioner for Forestry, Engr Taiwo Oludotun said the state government has resuscitated all the six forest reserves that were moribund before the inception of Dapo Abiodun-led administration came on board adding that the state now has a very good forest cover.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ola Oresanya said trees capture carbon-dioxide, improve air quality, conserve water, prevent soil erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, beautify our cities, and improve the physical and mental wellness of residents of the state hence the need to plant more trees, as every seedling of tree planted is a practical investment in climate action and sustainable development.

He also encouraged residents of the state to nurture every tree seedling, protect it from damage, and monitor its growth while for students and young people whom he called “Environmental Champions of Tomorrow,” Oresanya urged them to let their love for nature begin immediately by planting trees in their schools, places of worship and communities and encourage their friends to do the same in the overriding public interest.