To build a greener and healthier environment, Lagos State Government, through the State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) has planned to plant 5,000 trees across the state in July.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, disclosed this yesterday, during flag-off of  year 2022 tree planting at Dr. Abayomi Finnih recreational park in Oregun, Ikeja.

The exercise, which has as its theme, “In Harmony with Nature”, he said, was influenced by the need for all to collectively take steps to build a sustainable relationship with the ecosystem.

According to him, one of the simplest ways of doing this is to plant and nurture as many trees as possible, which is why the tree Planting day celebration will always remain significant in the history of the state, as it offers us the opportunity to reach out to multitudes of Lagosians and encourage them to plant.

Bello, who was represented by Mrs. Tolu Adeyo, a director in the ministry, said apart from the symbolic planting at the venue, trees will also be planted simultaneously across the 57 Local Council and Local Council Development Areas in the state as well as at   Lagos State University.

“To ensure seamless planting, tree seedlings have been distributed to the local authorities and are available at designated collection points for interested individuals, private organisations and Non Governmental Organisations until the end of this month, and at no cost. We have a target to plant 5,000 trees in the month of July.

“LASPARK will continue to enlighten the public about the significance of trees as an immense contributor to human life. Apart from providing shade, trees give us oxygen, store carbon, stabilise the soil and give life to the world’s wildlife.

“This tells us that trees are indispensable and a fundamental part of our daily life. It is not negotiable that we must help them build the knowledge and skills necessary to address complex ecological issues and identify simple, day-to-day actions to improve the environment for a sustainable future.”

In his remarks, the deputy governor, Dr.  Olufemi Hamzat,  said the tradition  of tree planting across the state is another way to express love for nature and promote a balance in the economic , social and environmental needs  of present and future generation.

Represented by Mrs. Mobolaji Daba, a Permanent Secretary in his office, Dr. Hamzat said with the state’s climate action plan 2020-2025,  the present administration is serious about incorporating climate-friendly initiatives into government activities.

According to him, The climate action plan encapsulates the state’s vision for combating the challenge of climate change and achieving the ultimate goal  of a zero-carbon Lagos.

He said there is growing awareness among the  citizenry about the need to rethink the way we live and consume as well as the roles  that each of us can play to make a difference.

“ While the government is expected to lead the process, success will depend on concerted efforts by all stakeholders. There is clearly no more time to waste  if we want to restore hope for the present  and future generations, nature must be at the heart of development and all of us, as societies , companies and individuals must make conscious effort to live in harmony with nature,”  he added.

MEANWHILE, the General manager of LASPARK,  Mrs. Adetoun Popoola, said the agency will continue to enlighten the public that trees are a vital part of our ecosystem and an immense contributor to human life.

She stressed that aside from the significant canopy cover they provide, trees produce oxygen and purify the air by removing harmful particles from the atmosphere.

Acknowledging  the importance of environmental education to children and young adults, Popoola said, the agency has put together an Art competition for children aged  three  to 16, where they expect them to use any art form to interpret their understanding of this year’s tree planting day’s theme.

According  to her, the deadline for submission of entries for this contest is  July 31, while each contestant will receive a digital certificate of participation.

“The winning artwork will be displayed at the newly refurbished Dr. Oluyomi Abayomi Finnih Recreational Park, Oregun, in addition to receiving other exciting prizes like tablets, smart watches and school bags.

“We urge parents, guardians and teachers to encourage their children and wards to partake in the competition to showcase their creativity and talent,” she added.