International Forest Day: Ondo set to transplant 80,000 tree seedlings
… harps on importance of tree
In a bid to better the world and for the survival of human race, Ondo state government is set to transplant the raised 80,000 species of trees across the 16 forest reserve areas in the state.
The Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Forestry/Produce sub-sector, Mr Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, made this known while speaking with journalists at the Nursery site of the Ministry at Oke Eda, Akure, to mark this year’s International Day of Forests held on Thursday.
He stated that this year’s theme; “Forests and innovation: New Solutions for a better World”, stressing the importance of trees which provides Oxygen to the men and take the carbon dioxide released by man.
“Trees in environment also help to improve quality of air, contribute to climate change amelioration, water conservation, soil preservation and good support for survival of wildlife,” he stated.
He warned encroachers to desist from encroaching into the forest reserves or be ready to face the wrath of the extant Forestry Law.
The Head of Department, Forestry and Wood Technology, FUTA Prof. Adedayo Adesoji Gideon reacting , said the day was set aside to create awareness among the people on the importance of the forest which is providing lots of benefits that will enable human beings to live well on planet earth.
Prof. Gideon , who is also the state Chairman of Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), noted that they have called government’s attention to be more proactive in reviving the forest reserve which he said had been degenerate beyond expectation.
He appealed to government to mobilize the people in charge of securing the forest in Ondo State so that they will be able to monitor our forest reserves properly.
“When forest officers are not mobilized, they will not be able to move. When they provide Hilux vehicle for them, they will be able to move to our forest reserves anytime to apprehend illegal fellers. ” he said.
He also charged those degrading the forests to stop destroying it or plant 4 in replacement if one cut from the reserve areas.
In the words of the Director, Encroachment and Joint Task Force, JTF of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Alhaji Moshood Obadun, identified the major problem of forestry as deforestation and forest degradation which he said have resulted into what is popularly known as climate change today.
“In the past, when rain fall, our houses are safe, but now, with little wind, the roof of the houses are blown off, that is one of the reason of acute deforestation and that is why government is making efforts on its own and encouraging private investors to come into the forestry subsector to help plant up these degraded areas”, He further noted.
On his part, Obadun disclosed that the ministry has been able to raise over N250 million as IGR in 2023 accrued from fines from illegal fellers.
” It is planted to save the environment because once a tree is planted, it goes a long way to protect the environment for the future generations and generations yet unborn and the efforts of such people will be so recognized.
Director, Conservation and Environmental Forestry of the Ministry, Osere Godwin said 80,000 different types of trees were raised to enrich planting.
He said the seedlings raised were of diverse species of both exotic and indigenous tree species for the forest.
He observed that most of the forest are degraded and needs to improve the forest by enrichment planting.
” We have about 20,000 of Tectona grandis, we have 20,000 of Gmelina arborea, we have 15,000, of Traculia africana we have 10, 000 of Khaya ivorensis and We have about 15,000 of Mansonia alttisma.”
He said Government has been magnanimous in releasing another set of funds this year to take these seedlings to the plantation and efforts have been put in place for land preparation setting for commencement of planting operation for this year plantation establishment.
Explaining the importance of the celebration of the world forest day, the Director of Forestry (Central), Akinwasola Joseph Babakola, said it was to showcase the importance of the trees in balancing the ecosystem.
This, he said, is why the northern part is too hash in temperature because it lacks trees.
Ondo State Afforestation Project Manager, Temitope Adebusoye, also stated that the state government engages the private companies to assist in rejuvenating the forest reserve.
These are the Wewood Ltd which is rejuvenating a total of 10 thousand hectares to plant melina trees while Rex Forest tree Ltd has 37 thousand hectares to plant trees which further generate in ome while they are planting trees.
Recounting the success story from the partnership, he said a Ply mill industry, one of the largest producing plywoods is being established at Onipetesi around the forest area.
“Some individuals that have the capacity to work with government were also engaged through the PPP arrangement and they share percentage with government when it is time to harvest.
“We have them scattered in various forest reserves in the state”,he affirmed.
A Forester working with Newmap at the natural resources management office, Samson Abiodun said his agency checkmate the impact of erosion in the environment where forestry were brought in to manage the environment.
“Without trees in the environment, the environment will not be a perfect place for human beings to live.
We all know that the exchange of gases is by the help of trees around us.
While calling on a roburst partnership between the government and the people, the Director, Forest Industry and Utilization, Mr. Dada Audu Festus, said every tree has legal documentation and authorization before they could be evacuated from the reserve.
An Akure zonal Forest Officer, Mrs Johnson Oluwayemi, described the celebration as an enlightenment day for the people and the illegal fellers of tree so that they can know the impact of tree management.
The State, she said, is showcasing the impact of trees to man, saying that every tree has its importance to man which cannot be over-emphasized.
