Osun State Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke announced Thursday that his administration is set to plant one million trees as part of efforts to combat deforestation and increase the state’s forest coverage. Approval has already been granted for the first phase, which will involve the planting of 100,000 trees.
The governor made the announcement while hosting the national and state leadership of the Forestry Council of Nigeria, who recognized him as a Climate Change Ambassador for his commitment to climate change initiatives.
Adeleke explained that the first phase is just the beginning of a broader program aimed at planting one million trees. He emphasized that his administration is taking proactive steps to address the adverse effects of climate change, which are impacting the globe.
“I must state that what your association stands for is in agreement with my policy thrust on climate change,” Adeleke said. “This administration is not paying lip service to afforestation. We will start with 100,000 seedlings of exotic and indigenous trees.”
He also affirmed that approvals have been granted for planting seedlings aimed at mitigating climate change effects, adding, “Here in Osun State, I can confidently say we are on top of the situation.”
Adeleke expressed his support for the Forestry Council’s activities, noting their alignment with his administration’s Climate Change Agenda. He encouraged collaboration to highlight Osun State as a leader in environmental sustainability.
The meeting was attended by other key government officials, including Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Head of Service Elder Ayanleye Aina, and Commissioner for Environment Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin.
