KWSG embarks on aggressive tree planting to protect environment

The Kwara State government says it has started massive planting of trees across the sixteen local government areas of Kwara state.
This was revealed by the Kwara state commissioner for Environment and forestry, Otunba Taiwo Joseph during a crucial meeting on A forestation, where the ministry met with relevant stakeholders in the state.
OTJ who expressed dissatisfaction on the rate of illegal tree felling attributed the recent destruction of property of people in the state by wind to the illegal cutting of trees in the state.
He said the spate of property destruction by rain storm in recent time was undoubtedly also as a result of climate change adding that undisturbed forest and massive a forestation could only play vital roles in the amelioration of climate change.
While noting that the planet could live without people but people could not live without the planet, he said the state government’s role has to be catalytic, while the lead role was that of the people in the state, thereby urging them not to fold their arms and watch with look worm attitude, the continued loss of foundation of survival which is forest, adding that the forum would come up with synergy that would fast track the a forestation of Kwara state.
The commissioner noted that trees combat change climate, clean the air, provide oxygen, and cool the street and the city.
He added that trees also conserve energy, prevent water pollution, prevent soil erosion, shield children from ultra violet rays and also provide food, tree heal, reduce violence, mark the session and creates economic opportunity for all in the state.
He also urged them to plant a tree now and use the grown one sustainably in order to provide a good living atmospheric condition for all in the state, adding that the state government will begin a peaceful move against illegal wood felling in the state.
He also revealed that a lot of sensitization and advocacy was ongoing to sensitize the people of the state on how they could manage and protect their environment and forest themselves.
He added that the AbdulFatah Ahmed led administration holds tree planting important as he said the governor had instructed all to go to their various local government areas to get some hectares of land to plant trees for the betterment of their various society and for commercial value.
The Special Adviser on labour matters, Comrade Bisi Fakayode urged all in the state to protect their property through the planting of trees and desist from illegal felling of trees.
On his own, the special adviser on forestry services Engr. Amos Sayo added that trees played a vital role in our society, and protect us against increasingly unpredictable weather pattern, more frequent and violent floods.
He added that “ trees improved livelihood, source for cash crop and it is also a source of recreation, and everywhere in the world trees are source of joy, beauty and inspiration.
Alhaji Abdulmalik Manzuma, who is the Special Adviser on Environmental services advised residents in the state not to build houses on the river banks or any where the state government did not recommend for building of houses.
The meeting was well attended by all relevant stake holders ýacross the state.