The Ogun State Ministry of Forestry in partnership with 4 Rotary Clubs have initiated the promotion of a sustainable tree planting exercise with the aim of creating aesthetic beauty in the environment and protecting same.

The initiative, which was unveiled as the ‘Tree Planting Project’, took place at the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oke-Mosan, where the Rotary Clubs of Obantoko, Oke-Mosan Golden, Ibara GRA and Abeokuta Metro, joined the Ministry in the environmental campaign.

Speaking during the symbolic tree Planting event, Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, described the initiative as a welcome development, stressing that planting and protection of trees remained one of the most effective ways of preserving the environment and securing its benefits for future generations.

Oludotun, explained that the Ministry had in its kitty, nine forest reserves across the three senatorial districts of the State, noting that many of the reserves had gone moribund before the advent of the present administration.

He added that the present administration recognised the importance of forests to environmental protection and economic development and had embarked on the revitalisation of the reserves and established partnerships with companies and non-governmental organizations towards achieving the objective.

The Commissioner disclosed that about 5million trees had been planted since the inception of the present administration, describing the Rotary partnership as another important contribution to the State’s environmental sustainability efforts.

According to him, the benefits of trees extended beyond environmental protection, as they provide oxygen, employment, shelter and economic opportunities, while also helping to conserve groundwater and prevent erosion.

Oludotun, further noted that tree planting could serve as a lasting legacy for generations, stressing that the environmental benefits of trees planted today would continue to be enjoyed even by generations yet unborn.

Earlier, the President of the Rotary Club of Obantoko, Rtn. Dr. Ayodeji Ashiru, said the initiative was part of Rotary’s commitment to environmental protection and was deliberately designed to be sustainable.

Ashiru, said the clubs chose to collaborate with the Ministry because of its professional expertise, adding that the partnership would ensure that the trees planted survived and the project achieved its intended long-term impact.

He explained that trees help absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, while also reducing heat, preventing flooding and erosion and improving the quality of the environment.

He said the project was a collective effort of the  Rotary Clubs, aimed at creating “a lasting impact” on the environment and leaving a green legacy for future generations.