The Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, in partnership with a wood processing company, has started planting 2,000 tree seedlings to help restore the Arakanga Forest Reserve in Abeokuta North Local Government Area.
At the launch event, the Commissioner for Forestry in Ogun State, Taiwo Oludotun, said the initiative aims to support a greener environment. He explained that private companies are eager to work with the state government to improve and protect the forests.
Oludotun highlighted the many benefits of trees — including producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide, supporting wildlife, preventing soil erosion, and helping regulate water flow. Trees also help people by supporting jobs and the local economy.
Speaking through the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Oyesanwe, Oludotun said the event is an important step in protecting the environment and ensuring it is preserved for future generations.
He added that this joint tree planting project shows a strong commitment to sustainable development and caring for nature.
The Commissioner also praised Governor Dapo Abiodun for supporting partnerships with private businesses to restore the forests. He said similar tree planting projects would take place in other parts of Ogun State, including Ogun West and Ogun East.
Oludotun revealed that the state plans to plant 1,000 trees of different types in key parts of the Arakanga Forest Reserve. These new trees will replace old ones and support better forest management.
Adetola Dosunmu, the donor of the tree seedlings and head of Toladus Nigeria, thanked the state government for trusting private businesses to help with the afforestation project.
He said the state’s efforts to promote a greener environment are important and should be supported by both the government and private sector.
The event ended with the symbolic planting of tree seedlings by top officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Ogun State Chairman of the Forestry Association of Nigeria, Jide Fakayode, donor Tola Dosunmu, and senior staff from the Ministry of Forestry.
