Oyo State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with private investors on the need for reforestation of the degraded forest reserves in the pacesetter state.
To this end, the Oyo state government is trying to restore depleted forests in the state through the collaboration with investors to ensure afforestation, while increasing the country’s forest cover.
Oyewole Oyewumi, Oyo state commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, speaking during the 20I8 International Day of Forest (IDF) held recently, said the move is yielding positive result, explaining that the degraded forests were as a result of illegal felling of trees in the state.
He disclosed that government has placed surveillance on the forest reserves to apprehend those who are involved in illegal act.
He however warned members of the public to desist from illegal tree felling and indiscriminate bush burning.
Oyewumi, speaking through Ajimobi, Adetokunbo Adekunle, special adviser on Agriculture to Governor noted that the importance of trees in our society cannot be over-estimated, explaining that environment without availability of trees is prone to hazard and it is advisable for all to plant at least a tree so as to ensure a greener environment.
While planting the trees to commemorate 2018 International Day of Forest, Oyewumi however called on all and sundry to imbibe tree planting, adding that planting of trees is now necessary in order to achieve greener, healthier, happier and sustainable environment.
Speaking also during the IDF, David Oladiipo, patron of the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) forest Centre, in his lecture with the theme ‘Forest for Sustainable Cities,’ explained that every 21st of March has been set aside to celebrate the International Day of Forest by the United Nations (UN) due to the importance of tree to humanity which cannot be over emphasized, noting that deforestation in Africa is as a result of inadequate sensitization and awareness which is making the environment dryer.
Oladiipo, maintained that afforestation is a collective responsibility as the government cannot do it alone and consequently called on the state government to implement a policy at which approval must be given before land can be cleared.
He also enjoined the school principals to inaugurate Young Forester and Tree Clubs among the students.
In her own speech, Aina Adetola, director, Federal Comptroller of Environment, Oyo State, called on the state government to place more priority on the forest reserves, noting that majority of the forest are becoming degraded because of illegal felling.
Akinremi Feyisipo, Ibadan
