Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) planting a seedling to mark the 2015 Tree planting campaign, being assisted by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of the Environment, Engr. Hakeem Ogunbambi (middle) and Tree planting coordinator, Prof. Musiliu Ademuyiwa Onilude (left) during the annual tree planting campaign at Government Technical College, Ikotun, on Tuesday, July 14, 2015.

Lagos flags-off 2015 Tree Planting exercise

Global Patriot Staff July 14, 2015 Local, News Leave a comment 720 Views

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday urged residents to desist from indiscriminate felling of trees, just as he reiterated his administration’s commitment to preservation of the environment and mitigation of global warming via tree planting.

The Governor who spoke at the flag-off of the 2015 tree planting exercise, the 8th in the series, with the at the Technical College, Ikotun, said this year’s theme, “Tree, The Lungs of The Earth” was apt as it clearly underscored the importance attached to the exercise in sustaining human life through the purification of the air we breathe in.

He said the tree planting exercise remains the cheapest and simplest option and strategies that have been put in place to tackle the challenge of climate change and its effect on human lives, adding that statistics and projections about the impact of climate change on the earth planet, particularly the gradual depletion of the rainforest, reinforce the need for all hands to be on deck.

The Governor thereby enjoined all Lagosians to embrace tree planting as a way of life in order to restore the dignity of the earth and desist from indiscriminate felling of trees warning that for every tree that must be removed, at least five must be planted.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left) presenting an award of Best Military formation in Tree planting to representative of Military Cantonment , Ojo, Lt. Colonel Jamiu Aare (right) during the 2015 annual tree planting campaign at Government Technical College, Ikotun, on Tuesday, July 14, 2015.

He, however, commended the efforts of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) in its advocacy activities that have resulted in the planting of about 5.9 million trees and the creation of over 96,000 jobs for all categories of artisans and professionals.

“Today, let me reaffirm this administration`s commitment to preservation of the environment, mitigation of global warming and its attendant climate change through the annual tree planting exercise. We will not relent, we will continue in our effort. I will now flag the exercise that would take place simultaneously in 180 locations across the state. Tree planting exercise remains the cheapest and simplest option and strategies to tackle the challenge, hence our resolve not to relent in this exercise”, the Governor said.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment, Engineer Hakeem Ogunbanbi, said the 2015 tree planting exercise is a worthy step to stem the tide of environmental degradation and inordinate exploitation of earth’s resources.

He said the gathering was unique in the sense that it was the first of its kind by Governor Ambode’s administration.

First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (middle) watering a newly planted seedling, wife of the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mrs. Fausat Obasa (middle, behind) and an official of the Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Toyin Onisawutu (right) during the 2015 annual Tree planting exercise at the Lagos City College, Sabo, Yaba, on Tuesday, July 14, 2015.

The Permanent Secretary hinted that the exercise is taking place simultaneously in all the 20 Local Government Areas (LGA) and 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) with six (6) sites designated as ceremonial sites across the state.

One of the highlight of the event was the presentation of award plagues to outstanding students, teachers, individuals and corporate organisations who participated in the ‘Me and My Tree’ programme.

Dignitaries at the event include the Managing Director, LASPARK, Dr. Mrs Titi Anibaba, traditional rulers, member of the House of Representatives representing Lagos Mainland Constituency, Hon Jide Jimoh, Executive Secretary, LASTVEB, Engr Olawunmi Jasper and a host of others.