IGBOGBO/BAYEKU LCDA JOINS ITS COUNTERPARTS ON TREE PLANTING IN LAGOS STATE. | Shakiru Seidu. "Sustainable environment and healthy living is paramount in my administration," Olusesan Daini reveals.

As part of Lagos State Government programme to create a healthy environment for all, which necessitates Tree Planting in Lagos State. This year's edition was again held across the 20 Local Governments and 37 LCDAs of Lagos State, on Saturday, July 14, 2018.

In Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, stakeholders were gathered at Methodist primary school, Elepe, to observe this year's tree planting. Opening prayer was done by the CAN Chairman, Pastor Alokan, followed by recitation of Nigeria Anthem, which was made before the introduction of guests by the anchor.

The Council Boss, Comr. Olusesan Daini emphasized the importance of this year's Tree Planting exercise and how paramount it is to his administration, owing that it is an agenda on sustainable environment and healthy living.

He said, "since inception within Ten (10) years, the state Government has planted seven (7) million, three hundred and eighty nine thousand, Two hundred and sixty five (7,389,265) trees with a target plan of Ten million (10,000,000) trees in Two (2) years. On our part as a Local government, we have been actively participating in the programme, we have planted trees at Oba Omolaja street, Igbogbo road, Igbogbo Ipakodo road, Obafemi Awolowo road to mention but a few.

"As you will agree with me that Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA is developing to a metropolitan centre through it still retains some of its rural content, it is in this wise, that we are using this opportunity to appeal to our people to stop indiscriminate felling of trees, deforestation and bush burning.

"We appreciate that at times it becomes absolutely unavoidable that trees be felled in such situations, permission must be obtained from the requisite authorities while steps mist be taken to plant replacements. Since it takes years for trees to mature, we insist that when a tree must of necessity be felled, 10(ten) trees should be planted in its place," Daini said.

MegaXpression Magazine report that the Commissioner for the Environment, Hon. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, who was ably represented, emphasized the determination of Lagos State Government in beautifying the environment.

According to the Commissioner, he said, "when trees are cut down or forests are cleared, the earth becomes poorer. One tree can sequester more than one ton of carbon dioxide in its lifetime. Planting trees and avoiding deforestation are key measures in reducing the human impact on global climate change.

"Active involvement in tree planting programs leads to a stranger sense of community socialisation and the promotion of environmental responsibility and ethics. Planting programs such as this also project a visible sign of change and provide the impetus for other community renewal and action programmes.

"Residents now beautified the frontage of their apartments without being force to do so. Market men and women, artisans, taxi abode underneath. It is gratifying and heartwarming to note that we are all committed to bequeath a better environment for the generation yet unborn," he explained.

The general manager of Lagos state parks and gardens agencies, Mrs Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, in her remarks said, the risk to our health and well-being from removing trees from the environment are far higher, while the benefits that urban trees bring cannot be quantified.

"Apart from its capacity to reduce urban temperatures by 4°C, it can also absorb pollution of all kinds, particulate, chemical and even noise from the environment.

"We therefore need to build according to nature's laws and rise above the financial, ecological, and social tides of urban growth. Let us come together and incorporate ecological principles into better urban planning and development, she said.

Mrs Bilikiss further commended lagosians who have shown incredible support for the greening programmes. "Some have started marking their birthdays by planting trees; Tree competitions have sprang up in most of our schools; Elderly have reignited their lives by relaxing at various parks; Parents now bring their children to parks on weekend and during holidays to catch fun, she added.

Mrs. Olorunshola Olajumoke, HOD Environment, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, did justice to enunciating the Tree Planting procedures and techniques as she carefully itemized the procedure and outlined various precautions that should be taken while planting trees.

"Some of the basic things for consideration are site evaluation, plant selection, site preparation, planting hole preparation, mulching and lots more,"she said.

However, there was a short presentation by the pupils of Methodist Primary School, Elepe to entertain and educate the guests.

While speaking with MegaXpression Magazine, the former Acting Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon Adebimpe Akinsola, expressed satisfaction that tree planting in Lagos State is fast becoming a culture among our people. "Lagosians from all works of life are gradually coming to term with the strategic importance of trees for our collective survival," she added.

She further urged the residents of Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA get their permanent voters card and vote massively for APC government in the coming election. He also intimated everyone that Gov. Ambode is working assiduously to make Lagos State of our dream.

In rounding off the programme, the H.O.A. Alhaja Ibidapo Folashade Usman appreciated everyone for gracing the occasion before the Planting session commenced to rap up the exercise.

Among the guests that present at the event are HRM Oba Abdulsemiu Orimadegun Kasali, Adeboruwa of Igbogbo, who was ably represented by his Chiefs, Baale Elepe, Chief Adenrele Olowu, Prince Jimoh Ogunmuyiwa, Hon Gbenga Oshin, Councillors, Exco members of Igbogbo/Baiyeku LCDA, Leadership of Market Association, CDC, APC members, Muslim and Christian leaders, Staff and pupils of Methodist primary school Elepe.

SHAKIRU SEIDU
Editor-in-Chief, MegaXpression Magazine.
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