Taiwo Bankole The Governor Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, says his administration remained committed to planting thousands of trees yearly across urban and suburban areas of the state to restore its eco-systems, enhance biodiversity, combat climate change and improve air and water supply. Abiodun, according to a statement on Sunday, made the announcement while flagging off the maiden edition of the Ogun State Tree Planting Day with the theme “Greening Tomorrow, Today,” at the state secretariat in Okemosan, Abeokuta. Represented by the Head of Service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya, the governor said, “Planting of trees annually to celebrate the state tree planting day will not only enrich the environment but also foster a culture of conservation among various communities in the state.
” Reflecting on the crucial roles trees play in human existence, Abiodun described trees as “the lungs of the planets as they tirelessly work to filter the air used for breathing as well as offer shades on hot days, shelter for wildlife and improve the visual effects on the landscapes.” He said, “This maiden edition of the Tree Planting Day in our dear state is not just a ceremony, it’s also a further commitment to our environment, our future and legacy for generations unborn, especially with the state government’s promotion of the use of LPG and natural gas to replace firewood for cooking by the rural dwellers. “We are also not forgetting the introduction of a 25 percent green space policy .