The Kwara State Government has again stressed the importance of tree planting in safeguarding environment against the adverse effects of climate change.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Abosede Buraimoh expressed the state government’s resolve on Thursday during the commemoration of this year’s International Day of Forests, held at Sity Inn Hotel, Ilorin.
The event, with the theme, “Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption”, was jointly organised by the Kwara State Stakeholders Forest Dialogue and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).
The aim of the celebration is to drum-up support for the long-term conservation and restoration of the degraded forest landscape and promote long-term collaboration towards a sustainable forest management in the state.
Buraimoh said ”the fundamental purpose of celebrating the International Day of Forests is to create awareness on the importance of tree planting in our environment.”
According to the Commissioner, “the most critical phase from which the world is passing through now is a complexity in the form of climate change, the proportion of Ozon has shrunk to a threatening level while the reason behind it is pollution as a result of human activities on earth”.
Citing some statistics from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (UNFAO), Buraimoh disclosed that about 10 million hectares of forests are lost each year and over one billion people depend directly on forests for food, shelter, energy, medicines and income for survival.
She appealed to every individuals to contribute their quota in protecting the planet from deforestation through the planting of trees.
Commendation
The Commissioner lauded the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for being proactive in curbing the menace of deforestation and encouraging the planting of trees for the benefit of the people to enjoy nature.
Also speaking through a virtual message, the NCF Director of Technical Programme, Dr. Joseph Onoja appreciated the participants while stating the need to be educated and sensitised the people on the importance of trees to humanity.
Delivering the workshop lecture, the Lead Climate Change Programmer, Mr. Solomon Adefolu analysed the significant impact of maintaining a good reforestation in every community.
The event had in attendance State Government Officials, Stakeholders in Forestry Business, Horticulturists, and Members of the Academia, among others.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
