By Abdullahi Lukman
The Ogun State Government says it has planted about five million trees and restored operations in nine forest reserves as part of measures to curb deforestation, protect biodiversity and promote sustainable timber production.
The Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, disclosed this on Saturday at the 10th anniversary of the Irewolede Plank Sellers and Wood Workers Association in Ogun State.
Oludotun urged timber merchants, plank sellers and woodworkers to support the government’s conservation efforts by obtaining timber from approved forest reserves and planting replacement trees for those harvested.
He said sustainable forestry was necessary to protect the environment while ensuring that timber resources remained available for future generations.
The commissioner stressed the need for greater cooperation between the government and stakeholders in the wood industry, particularly in enforcing responsible harvesting practices and reducing pressure on forest resources.
The call comes amid growing global concerns over deforestation and forest degradation.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation, in its Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, reported that average annual global deforestation fell to 10.9 million hectares between 2015 and 2025 from 17.6 million hectares annually between 1990 and 2000. Despite the decline, the organisation said forests remain under significant pressure.
Stakeholders at the anniversary also encouraged woodworkers and plank sellers to adopt modern technologies that could improve productivity while reducing environmental damage. They further urged young people to embrace practices that promote forest conservation.
Earlier, the chairman of the Irewolede Plank Sellers and Wood Workers Association, Gbemisola Adenekan, said the association’s 10-year journey reflected its unity, resilience and commitment to the welfare of its members.
Adenekan said the association had coordinated the activities of plank sellers and woodworkers operating in the Sawmill area of Lafenwa, Abeokuta, while promoting peaceful coexistence and the economic interests of its members.
He commended the state government for creating an environment conducive to businesses and artisans, noting that peace, security and supportive policies were essential for legitimate economic activities to thrive.
Speaking on the anniversary theme, “The Future of Wood: Securing Livelihoods, Advancing Agriculture, Preserving Culture, Promoting Health and Driving Modernisation,” Adenekan called for greater responsibility, innovation and cooperation to secure the future of the wood industry.
He also acknowledged the contributions of past and present association executives and reaffirmed the group’s commitment to members’ welfare, community development and Ogun State’s economic growth.
