Forests are increasingly being recognised not just as environmental assets, but as economic lifelines and in Ogun State, authorities are now turning that recognition into action.
The state government has unveiled an ambitious plan to plant over five million trees, positioning the initiative as both an environmental safeguard and an economic strategy aimed at strengthening livelihoods and promoting sustainable development.
The announcement was made in Abeokuta during the commemoration of the International Day of Forests, themed “Forests and Economy,” highlighting the growing global emphasis on the economic value of natural ecosystems.
Speaking to journalists, Taiwo Oludotun said the state had already begun an aggressive tree-planting campaign, alongside intensified enforcement against illegal logging activities.
According to Oludotun, forests are central to building resilient economies, particularly in developing regions. “They generate employment, support both rural and urban livelihoods, and underpin food systems,” he said, stressing that forest resources remain critical to multiple sectors from agriculture to energy and industry.
Despite these benefits, he noted that forests are still widely undervalued in policy and investment decisions, a gap that has contributed to their steady depletion.
Experts say the implications go far beyond timber production. Forest ecosystems play a vital role in regulating water supply, protecting soil quality, storing carbon, and reducing the risks of environmental disasters. These services form the backbone of agricultural productivity and broader economic stability.
The Ogun initiative is also expected to serve as a climate response strategy, as Nigeria grapples with rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and increasing environmental degradation linked to deforestation.
However, the success of the programme may depend heavily on public cooperation. The government has issued a strong warning against indiscriminate tree felling, describing it as a practice that undermines community wellbeing and strips future generations of critical natural resources.
Residents have been urged to take ownership of forest conservation efforts, as authorities push for a cultural shift in how natural resources are valued and protected.
With millions of trees set to be planted, Ogun State’s green campaign is being perceived as an essential pillar of economic growth, climate resilience, and sustainable living.
