…Distributes 100 seedlings to schools for environmental conservation

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has described sustainable forests as a critical factor to the food security agenda of his administration.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti at the 2025 International Day of Forests, the Governor reiterated his commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.

Oyebanji who was represented by the State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi spoke on the theme “Forests and Food”; emphasized the crucial role of forests in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and food security.

The Governor stated that forests are not only sources of timber but also sustainers of livelihoods which ensures food security for millions of people.

He called for a collective commitment to preserving the state’s forest resources to make the sector contribute significantly to the economic development of the state.

In his remarks, the Vice Chairman, State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Oladele Ogunsakin hailed the inclusion of environmental sustainability as a sub-agenda in the 6-pillar of the Oyebanji-led administration.

Ogunsakin stressed the need for stronger afforestation efforts, urging all stakeholders to actively participate in forest conservation.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, commended the Governor Oyebanji-led administration for its commitment to forest preservation with the aim of boosting food production.

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Aluko-Ajisafe who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Tunde Balogun, saluted the courage of Non-Governmental Organizations in sensitizing people on the need to discourage deforestation and bush burning.

Earlier, the Chairman of the State Forestry Commission, Mr. Idowu Akinlabi has said the annual celebration was to reflect many values of forests and share experiences on how forests and trees enrich lives and environment.

Akinlabi, who noted that preserving the forest was necessary for food security, called on communities and individuals to support the government in protecting the ecosystem.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Forestry Commission Mr. Sunday Adekunle, thanked the governor for his unwavering support on forestry initiatives in the state.

Adekunle raised concerns over deforestation and overloggng in some communities in the northern part of the State; warning that this could cause environmental degradation.

While calling for collaborative efforts to combat deforestation in the state, the Executive Secretary announced distribution of 100 seedlings to each participating school to instill a culture of environmental conservation among young people.

The event was attended by key government officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Babatope Ojo and his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources among others.