Oyo State Tree Planting: Commissioner Pledges New Strategy for Biodiversity
The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Ademola Aderinto, has pledged to strengthen Oyo State tree planting and biodiversity restoration efforts. This move forms a core part of the state’s updated environmental sustainability agenda.
Speaking in Ibadan at the International Day of Forest celebration, organised by the Geo-Information Society of Nigeria (GEOSON), Aderinto highlighted the urgency of nature conservation. The event’s theme, “Geomentorship for Biodiversity Restoration and Monitoring,” focused on using data to track green growth.
The commissioner noted that planting trees remains central to environmental protection. He confirmed that the state government is already taking active steps to deepen these conservation efforts.
A Call for Public Collaboration
Aderinto was quick to point out that the state cannot handle this monumental task in isolation. He called for a collective effort from all citizens.
“You must realise this is not what government can do alone, there’s a limit to how much government can do in terms of this. And as much as we can do to see that we restore nature, biodiversity, we’re trying to do our own bit,” he said.
The state plans to continue engaging critical stakeholders to drive awareness. According to the commissioner, such partnerships are necessary to ensure wider public participation and long-term success.
Stronger Legislation on the Horizon
Beyond voluntary planting, the government is looking at legal frameworks. Aderinto stated that stronger legislation would help enforce environmental protection and improve compliance with conservation measures across the state.
“A stronger legislation would go a long way in enforcing a lot of things. And that is the phase we are right now,” he said.
Learning from Global Models
Oyo State is currently drawing lessons from successful conservation models in countries such as Rwanda and Kenya. In these nations, deliberate policies have helped to preserve nature and wildlife effectively.
The commissioner revealed that Oyo is considering ways to revive its ecological assets, including its national park. The government also intends to promote tree planting in schools and local communities to foster a culture of care for the environment.
The current strategy extends beyond simple waste management. It covers broader issues such as pollution control and the public reporting of environmental nuisances. Aderinto urged residents, institutions, and professional bodies to support these initiatives and help restore degraded ecosystems.
Earlier in the event, stakeholders stressed the need for better environmental education. They also advocated for the use of geospatial technologies to improve forest monitoring and ensure the success of biodiversity restoration projects.
