By Awyetu Asabe Hope
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged residents to plant and nurture trees as part of efforts to combat climate change and build a greener, more resilient state.
Speaking at the 2026 Tree Planting Day celebration held on Tuesday at Eko Amore Gardens, Freedom Way, Lekki, the governor said Lagos aims to plant at least 20,000 trees this year.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that 13,401 trees—about 67 per cent of the annual target—had already been planted across the state’s five divisions as of June 30.
He said the tree planting campaign would continue throughout the rainy season until October.
“We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope and a lasting legacy,” he said, stressing that residents must ensure every tree planted survives and matures.
The governor described tree planting as a key nature-based solution to climate change, noting that trees help cool the environment, improve air quality, reduce flood risks and promote healthier communities.
He announced the commencement of a fresh tree planting campaign across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, directing council chairmen to serve as “Tree Custodians” responsible for protecting and monitoring trees within their jurisdictions.
Sanwo-Olu also reminded residents that anyone who unlawfully cuts down a tree is required by state law to replace it with five others.
He unveiled 20 Lagos Tree Champions in recognition of individuals and organisations contributing to the state’s greening initiative and encouraged residents to obtain free tree seedlings from LASPARK nurseries in Ikorodu and Agege.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the annual exercise as a strategic response to climate change and environmental degradation.
He said the 2026 theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,” highlights the need for collective action, warning that rising temperatures, flooding, biodiversity loss and land degradation demand urgent climate action.
Wahab added that all 57 LGAs and LCDAs had been designated as Tree Custodians and would nurture newly planted trees for at least 12 months to improve their survival rate.
Also speaking, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat, said tree planting remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve air quality, reduce heat, preserve biodiversity and build resilient communities.
She urged families, schools, faith-based organisations, market associations and private sector operators to make tree planting a way of life.
