Chairman of Oto -Awori Local Council Development Area, Hon. Kayode Robert has mounted a safe environment campaign.
Speaking at this year’s tree-planting ceremony in the council, he appealed to residents to endeavour to plant more trees and flowers.
The council boss explained its numerous advantages, some of which include cleaner air and a healthier environment.
But Robert also left no one in doubt that a compelling reason to plant and nurture trees is in order to scale back global warming and other hazards of climate change.
The chairman was speaking at Community Nursery and Primary School, Ajewamiwa where he planted a tree.
He urged the people to develop a culture of planting trees and flowers which also enhance the beauty of the environment.
Robert said a tree planting campaign team has been set up to monitor the plan. This year, over 100,000 trees will be planted, he said, adding that people have embraced the initiative.
“We will continue till our environment is restored,” he said.
In an address, the Commissioner for Environment, Mr Tunji Bello, represented by Mr. Omotosho Oni, said that tree planting is one way the state government is effectively combating the menace of erosion and other ecological problems.
The Commissioner said: “One of the remedies we have admirably deployed is tree planting. The more trees we plant, the more we reclaim our forests, beautify our surroundings and environment. Trees at maturity act as shelter for rare and endangered animals; they act as storm and wind breaks and also as deflectors of sun rays and other adverse weather,”
”Trees serve as breeding ground for some animals. Medicines are also produced from stems and leaves of some plants.”
He revealed that so far the administration of Governor Babatunde Fashola in six years has successfully planted not less than 4.6 million trees and more are still, as a matter of routine, being planted on a daily basis.
“Our government not only engages in this symbolic annual event but has put in place institutional structures to ensure that the achievements of the past are ingrained in the system.
“His Excellency has graciously approved the establishment of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) to advance the cause of sustainable environment and further see to the improvement in the state’s environment aesthetics through numerous beautifications and landscaping projects, which have made our state the positive envy of others in the federation.” he said.
Governor Fashola in his keynote address read by the council chairman, said that this year’s event which had the theme “Green is peace,” is in recognition of the fact that the absence of enough green, especially trees, is a threat to the survival of all creatures that depend on oxygen.”
He added: “We need trees to absorb the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to prevent us from suffocating.’’
The Oto-Awori council leadership instituted a competition in which residents plant and nurture trees and flowers. The Robert administration duly rewards the winners with a view to instilling a greener environment culture in them.
Traditional rulers, baales, were among the dignitaries at the event.
