The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Tree planting

  • Govt calls for volunteers for tree planting

    Govt calls for volunteers for tree planting

    The Lagos State Government has called on residents to volunteer in its ongoing tree planting campaign, saying the scale of the initiative requires collective civic participation to achieve meaningful environmental impact.

    The call was made during a tree planting exercise held at Ibeshe Housing Estate, Ikorodu, as part of activities leading up to the annual Tree Planting Day celebration scheduled for July 14.

    General Manager of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Adetoun Popoola, said the Trees for Lagos Initiative is being expanded to more communities but cannot succeed without public support.

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    “Our target is huge and we cannot do it alone. We’re calling on Lagosians to join this campaign. Tree planting may seem simple, but it is one of the most effective ways to take climate action,” she said.

    Popoola, who was represented by the Head of Tree Planting and Maintenance Department, Adebimpe Kuponu, explained that the government is shifting its focus from highways and medians to residential estates in a bid to improve tree survival.

    “Estates are more secure, and residents are more likely to take responsibility for the trees planted in their environment,” she said.

    She noted that similar exercises have been held in Banana Island, Dolphin Estate, Victoria Garden City, and Alaro City, while more are scheduled for Magodo and Igbogbo Housing Estate before the July 14 commemoration.

    According to her, tree planting offers numerous benefits beyond beautification. “Trees provide oxygen, clean the air, increase property value, reduce erosion, and serve as windbreakers. Some are medicinal, others are fruit-bearing. The value is immense,” she said.

    A volunteer, Samson Alao, who participated in the Ibeshe exercise, said he sees planting as a way to give back to nature.

    “Nature has given us so much. Planting a tree is one way to reciprocate. It’s a fulfilling experience. The joy of seeing a new branch grow from something you planted can’t be explained,” he said.

    The Ibeshe event is part of a series of community-based planting exercises to be carried out across the state ahead of Tree Planting Day, which is expected to hold simultaneously across all local government areas.

  • Polaris Bank, NCF extend tree planting initiative to Abuja, Anambra

    Polaris Bank, NCF extend tree planting initiative to Abuja, Anambra

    Polaris Bank, in a robust display of its commitment to environmental sustainability, has expanded its nationwide tree-planting initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF).

    The latest exercise took place at Government Secondary School, Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on October 14, 2024, following a similar event at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University in Anambra State just days earlier and Professor K.K Nwozor commended the Bank for its conservation efforts.

    The initiative is part of a broader strategy by Polaris Bank to align its operations with the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021–2030), which stresses the urgent need for land restoration and resilience against desertification and drought. The theme resonates with the 2024 World Environment Day, underscoring the bank’s proactive stance in promoting sustainable practices aimed at restoring degraded lands and enhancing biodiversity across Nigeria.

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    Osazuwa Igbinoba, Directorate Head for Abuja, articulated the bank’s ethos, stating, “Sustainability is embedded in our business strategy and actions at Polaris Bank.” He noted that the tree-planting efforts not only aim to restore natural ecosystems but also focus on planting economic trees to ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.

    Chiwetalu Nwatu, Directorate Head for the South East, echoed this sentiment by emphasizing that sustainability is at the heart of the Bank’s operations, encompassing more than just financial services. He noted that Polaris Bank’s approach integrates responsible banking with societal empowerment and environmental responsibility, all grounded in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

    The significance of tree planting as a countermeasure against climate change cannot be overstated. Thus, the initiative addresses critical issues such as soil erosion, air quality improvement, and climate regulation through carbon dioxide absorption. The bank’s efforts are not isolated; they form part of a nationwide campaign that has seen similar initiatives executed at various educational institutions and community reserves across Nigeria.

    The Bank’s nationwide Tree planting exercises were held recently at Tai Solarin University, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State on July 1st; Ajingi Community Reserve, Kunkurawa in Kano State on August 30th; and University of Ibadan, Oyo State on October 3rd.These events illustrate Polaris Bank’s commitment to sustainable development and environmental restoration.

    This project not only enhances local ecosystems but also serves as a public call to action on the importance of environmental preservation. Through collaborative efforts like these, Polaris Bank seeks to inspire individuals, communities and organizations to engage in environmental restoration and contribute to a sustainable future for all.

    Polaris Bank, in collaboration with the NCF, remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental stewardship, community well-being and corporate responsibility, as demonstrated through these impactful tree-planting activities. Through this project, the Bank aims to inspire individuals, communities and organizations to foster a culture of sustainability throughout Nigeria.

  • Tree planting vital for environmental sustainability

    Tree planting vital for environmental sustainability

    • Sherifdeen Amusa

    Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has said tree planting is a vital component of the environment and has immeasurable benefits.

    Represented by Mrs. Fehintola Quadri, an official in the ministry, Wahab said this at the annual Tree Planting Exercise organised by the Chairman of Eredo Local Council Development Area, Ismail Akinloye.

    Imploring Lagosians to imbibe the practice of planting trees, Wahab listed its advantages as: “acting as natural air purifiers, sequestering carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, improving air quality; plays a crucial role in regulating the climate; prevents soil erosion; protect biodiversity and enhances our resilience to climate impact.”

    Read Also: Varsities should imbibe culture of tree planting, says LASUED VC

    He also expressed concern about bad environmental practices that contribute to environment hazard, such as improper waste disposal, blockage and destruction of drainages and canals, indiscriminate cutting of trees, noise and air pollution, and poor sanitation habits.

    Akinloye urged residents to sustain the age-long tradition of planting trees for the benefits of the environment.

    He said tree planting exercise was an environmental investment for future generations.

    He added that tree planting guaranteed environmental safety from natural disasters like storms and floods from heavy downpours.

  • Varsities should imbibe culture of tree planting, says LASUED VC

    Varsities should imbibe culture of tree planting, says LASUED VC

    • By Sarah Olufemi

    Efforts should be made by universities across the nation to imbibe the culture of tree planting in addition to effective pedagogical delivery, as this practice would enhance sustainability of the earth, Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University of Education (LASUED), Prof. Bidemi Bilkis Lafiaji-Okuneye has said.

    She spoke at the weekend at the 2024 Lagos State Annual Tree Planting exercise which held on the school’s main campus in Oto/Ijanikin, Lagos.

    The VC said the theme for this year’s exercise:”Nourish our future,” echoes the Lagos State Government’s profound desire to create a safe and environmentally sustainable state for generations yet unborn.

    She said the institution imbibed the culture of planting trees 16 years ago when the programme was launched in the state, adding that the university’s greening project has the tremendous support of members of staff who have embraced the culture towards a sustainable environment.

    “This inclusive greening initiative is gradually addressing the growing apprehension on climate change. Global warming has always a significant role in orchestrating climate change, impacting rainfall patterns worldwide. The shifting climate patterns can also disrupt the traditional seasonal rainfall cycles,leading to unpredictable weather conditions. This can have profound impacts on agriculture,water resources and overall ecosystem health as species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing environments.

    Addressing the causes of global warming through annual tree planting by the Lagos State Government is crucial to combating these impacts and building resilience to a changing climate. This effort critical to securing a promising future for future generations,” she said.

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    She emphasised the importance of trees to humans,noting that studies have shown that by spending quality time among trees and in green places, they reduce the amount of stress in people and significantly enhance quality of life.

    “Trees provide oxygen and purify the air we breathe by removing harmful particles from the atmosphere. Aside the economic benefit of generating income from sale of fruits and woods,the value of our homes increases than similar ones with no landscaping,” the VC added.

     Lafiaji-Okuneye urged everyone to plant a tree and nurture it to survival,adding that it would create a sustainable future for generations to come in the state.

    Thereafter, top management officials of the university planted trees on campus.

  • ‘Tree planting ‘ll prevent erosion’

    ‘Tree planting ‘ll prevent erosion’

    The Chairman of Iba Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Jubril Yisa, has urged residents to plant trees.

    Yisa, represented by the Vice Chairman, Samuel Ayodele, said planting trees would “protect and preserve the environment for future generations.“

    He said: “Trees are vital component of our environment and play a crucial role in regulating the climate, preventing soil erosion, protecting bio-diversity and enhancing resilience to climate impacts.“

    Head of Environmental Department, Mrs Adeoye Mopelola, said planting of trees “is to safe our future as we are already experiencing Climate Change.”

    The HOD said tree planting elongates life and promote good health.

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    She further made reference to a particular wind that blew at a time and collapsed a lot of building but that buildings that had trees planted around them were saved.

    Mr Olaoye Adeniyi from Lagos State parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) mentioned that it is an offence to cut down trees in Lagos State and an offender will plant five trees if caught.

    “Trees absorb all the fumes, erosion and other things that are not healthy to human body,” he said.

  • Somolu encourages tree planting

    Somolu encourages tree planting

    Somolu Local Government Chairman, Abdul Hamed Salawu (Dullar), has encouraged residents to continue to plant trees in order to mitigate the effects of climate change, flooding and other environmental hazards.

    Dullar was represented by his wife, Mrs. Florence Salawu, during the Tree Planting exercise at Bashua Military Primary School, Somolu.

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    He advised that residents should remain resilient and continue to nurture trees planted.

    Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Gbolahan Ogunfowote of Lagos State Parks and Gardens, said planting trees would are regulate the climate and prevents soil erosion.