A firm, Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions, has partnered the Ogun State Government to mark this year’s Tree Planting Day by embarking on a tree planting exercise and beautification of the second entrance to the Ogun State Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Ogun Tree Planting Day 2025, observed every second Saturday of August, is an initiative of the state government to promote environmental sustainability through afforestation. This year’s edition, with the theme: “Grow Trees, Sustain Life,” focused on planting one million trees across 20 local councils in the state.

Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, who was represented by the Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships, Gabriel Pollyn, said the exercise aligned with the company’s decarbonisation agenda and quarry rehabilitation efforts.

Alade-Akinyemi noted that “Lafarge Africa is committed to tackling climate change, restoring degraded landscapes, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within local communities…”

“Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change, while delivering tangible benefits to the people. At Lafarge Africa, we view every sampling as a living investment in our environment, our economy, and the well-being of future generations. Partnering with Ogun State on this initiative reflects our dedication to creating a greener, more resilient Nigeria. We plan to plant 150,000 native tree species over a five-year period in Ogun and Oyo states,” he said.

Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Engineer Taiwo Oludotun, highlighted the local impact of climate change, pointing to prolonged dry seasons, flooding, rising temperatures, and the resultant threats to agriculture, livestock, and public health.

“We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope, health, and the future of our state. These are no longer distant threats; they are local problems, and local problems require local solutions. Planting trees is one of the simplest and most powerful actions we can take to preserve our environment,” Oludotun added.

Beyond the ceremonial planting, Lafarge Africa has reiterated that it will continue working with local communities to nurture the seedlings, ensuring their survival and long-term contribution to the ecosystem.