The Ogun State government has announced its intention to plant 1 million trees by the conclusion of this year’s planting season.
According to the government, this initiative will be realized through a one citizen, one tree campaign that will span all 20 local government areas in the state.
Governor Dapo Abiodun emphasized that these trees will not only yield fruit and medicine but will also help lower urban temperatures and alleviate flooding caused by the depletion of the ozone layer.
The Governor made this announcement on Saturday during the 2025 Ogun Tree Planting Day, an event organized by the Ministry of Environment in partnership with the Ministries of Forestry, Physical & Urban Development, Housing, and Community Development.
Abiodun, who was represented by the Commissioner for Forestry, Oludotun Taiwo, encouraged residents to take on tree planting as a shared responsibility to fight deforestation and safeguard the environment.
He stated, “Today, we are not merely planting trees; we are planting hope, health, and the future of Ogun State. Trees provide us with oxygen, purify our air, protect our climate, and yet, year after year, they vanish.
“This year’s theme is plant and grow trees, sustain life. It aligns with our ISEYA agenda, particularly the A that represents agriculture and the environment. Trees are nature’s infrastructure; without them, nothing will endure.
“We must acknowledge that climate change is a reality. We have witnessed prolonged dry seasons, flash floods destroying dams, and rising temperatures impacting both livestock and humans. These are no longer distant threats; they are local issues that require local solutions.
One tree can offer shade, fruit, medicine, and income, so just imagine the impact of 1 million trees throughout Ogun State.
“Today, we are launching the one citizen, one tree campaign across all 20 local governments, with the goal of planting 1 million trees before the planting season concludes this year, establishing community trees in each local government, and training 500 youths.