By Faridat Salifu
Ogun State government has resorted to planting one-million trees in the state as a frontline defence against worsening climate impacts, flash floods, rising urban temperatures, and industrial carbon emissions.
Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by Forestry Commissioner Oludotun Taiwo at the 2025 Ogun Tree Planting Day, said the “One Citizen, One Tree” drive will create natural buffers against extreme weather across all 20 local government areas.
Officials say the trees will be strategically planted in flood-prone zones, heat-stressed urban areas, and industrial corridors to serve as shade, windbreaks, and carbon sinks.
The Ministry of Environment plans to integrate the effort with Ogun’s decarbonisation policy, working with industries to expand green cover around factory sites and reduce heat islands linked to manufacturing hubs.
Commissioner for Environment Ola Oresanya described the scheme as “survival-driven,” noting that tree cover loss has left the state more vulnerable to climate extremes, especially in areas facing drainage blockages and rapid land conversion.
Town planning rules requiring tree preservation during building projects will be enforced more strictly, with developers expected to replace any trees removed during construction.
The plan also links environmental action to education, embedding tree planting into school programmes, and training 500 youths and women as “green ambassadors” to maintain planted areas and conduct awareness campaigns.
The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF) will oversee the care of saplings until maturity, with follow-up inspections scheduled to ensure survival rates are high.
Ogun officials say the approach moves beyond symbolic planting days, focusing instead on targeted placement, survival audits, and integration with wider climate resilience measures.
