TREE PLANTING: OGUN TO DISTRIBUTE TOOLS TO FORESTERS
In preparedness for year 2024 tree planting season, the Ogun State Ministry of Forestry is set to distribute tree planting tools across its nine forest reserves.
Commissioner in the Ministry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun disclosed this at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, while addressing news men during an inspection of the tools, such as watering cans, wheelbarrows, head pans among others, disclosing that 2024 planting season would soon commence with about two million tree seedlings.
Engr. Oludotun explained that the agency would take steps in ensuring that the survival rate of the one million trees planted in 2023 is 80/90 percent achieved.
“Last year our plan was to plant one million trees but to God be the glory, we were able to surpass it. This year, in conjunction with our development partners and private sectors, we are targeting two million trees”, he said.
Meanwhile, timber contractors in J1 and J4 in Ijebu-East Local Government Area of the state have been cautioned to avoid activities that hinder government from achieving its set goals in the forestry sector.
Engr. Oludotun stated this at a meeting with the contractors in Abeokuta, saying such activities include, planting of cocoa in the forest reserves, illegal cutting of trees, cutting of trees into flitches and illegal allocation of lands to farmers for agriculture purposes by enclave heads.
While appreciating them for their cooperation in the outgone year, the Commissioner warned that unregistered tractors, felling machines and lorries found in the forest after 6.00pm and on weekends, would be impounded by the state government, enjoining the contractors to form task force that would monitor activities of illegal occupants in all forest reserves across the state.
Responding on behalf of her colleagues, Alhaja Oluwaranti Kazzem appreciated government for its support, assuring of sustained cooperation in the new year.
