Ogun to plant one million trees in forest reserves

The Ogun State government has revealed plans to plant one million trees of various species in the nine forest reserves of the state as a way to preserve the natural environment and curb the menace of global warming.

The Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, during the official flag-off of year 2023 planting exercise, said the one million trees would cover about 750 hectares of land in the reserves.

Oludotun added that about 250,000 trees would be planted within the second quarter of the year by the ministry.

He further explained that the ministry had commenced the nurseries for the trees earlier in the year.

The commissioner said, “Presently, we already have 250,000 seedlings in our nurseries at our various reserves, coupled with over 80,000 indigenous tree seedlings we received from FRIN.

“The indigenous trees absorb carbon more compared to the exotic trees. We also have the local stakeholders in the wood business that are willing to join us in the planting of these trees, we will also engage the locals and individuals in Agro-Forestry (which is about another 300,000 trees), and another 400,000 trees through coppice management within the 9 reserves in Ogun state.

“The ministry in conjunction with a sister agency will also plant 10,000 trees around the Gateway International AgroCargo Airport, thereby ensuring that it provides good ambience for the area and replace indigenous trees that were uprooted during the construction of the airport.”

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