Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has designed a plan for a one million trees to be planted as a measure to control deforestation in the state.
The governor, who spoke in his office yesterday, October 16, said that the programme would be kick-started with the planting of 100,000 trees in the first phase. The Governor was honoured by his guests, leaders of the Forestry Council of Nigeria with the title of “Climate Change Ambassador.”
Governor Adeleke said at the meeting with the leaders that the first phase of the tree planting session would be followed by a wider programme targeting one million tree planting agenda.
He said that approval had also been given for the planting of the seedlings raised to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change that is ravaging the globe, assuring that his government is on top of the situation.
“I must state that what your association stands for as presented by the leadership is in agreement with my policy thrust on climate change
“This administration is not paying lip service to the issue of afforestation, hence my approval to raise one million seedlings of exotic and indigenous trees, which we will start with one hundred thousand in the first phase.
“It will interest you to know that approval has equally been given to the planting of the seedlings raised to mitigate the adverse effect of climate change which is ravaging the globe, but here in Osun State, I make bold to say we are on top of the situation.
“Since the activities of your association complement the functionality of the Climate Change Agenda of this administration, you can be sure of my total support of your dream and the success of your annual conference which will be memorable and positively impactful.”
Earlier, Dr Tajudeen Abiodun Afolabi, President, Forestry Council of Nigeria acknowledged Governor Adeleke’s passion for Climate Change, which was why the association is bringing its next conference to Osun.
“When I came in here I saw that you have done very well in protecting the environment. You have done very well in environmental sustainability of the state and by extension in Nigeria in general.
“Your passion for Climate Change made us decide to come and host our event in Osun.
“We will bring experts and professionals in Nigeria and beyond to come and celebrate you, celebrate your passion for Climate Change.
“We will be happy to work with you. We will be happy to project you to the world that this is an ambassador of Climate Change in Osun state and in Nigeria in general.”
