Residents of Badagry West Local Council Development Area have been charged to imbibe the culture of tree planting and cultivate the habit of maintaining and protecting the planted trees to create a serene environment, noting that trees have numerous advantages.
They were admonished by the Chairman of the Council area, Mr. Gbenu Joseph, who was abbly represented by the Secretary to the Local Government, Mr. Gusanu Sovi, during the celebration of the Year 2021 Tree Planting Day, held on Thursday, 14th July 2021 at Methodist Primary School, Sawa, with the theme, “RECOVER & RESTORE”.
Speaking on the importance of tree planting, Gbenu said the Tree Planting Day remains significant as it offers the opportunity to create awareness on the need to protect the environment and enhance healthy living through the planting of trees.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Environment, Mr. Samuel Hodonu, stated that, there is need for everyone to stop cutting of trees, hence, stressed on the need for continuous awareness for people to stop the habit.
“It is not enough to plant trees every year, but our ability to protect it and watch it grow gives a lot of value to tree planting. Cutting a tree without permission from necessary department at the council is a punishable offence of one year imprisonment. He said.
The HOD Environment, Mrs. Thovoetin, while giving her address said that the Lagos State Tree Planting Day has been institutionalized as an annual celebration on the 14th of July every year, with planting of trees simultaneously at different locations across the State.
The HOD while citing the words of the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tunji Bello, said, “Last year, we planted ‘Trees for Life’ in honour of our health workers and frontline heroes who continued to be in the forefront after the devastating outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme focuses on restoration and recovery and tree planting is still one of the cheapest, nature-based climate solutions that will enhance a lasting COVID-19 recovery.
“Trees are known to be very useful in absorbing carbon-dioxide, a major contributor to Green House gases and replenishing the air with oxygen. Aside from these, trees improve the aesthetic value of the environment. They also provide shade; prevent erosion, help minimize flooding and act as wind breakers thereby protecting us from the adverse effects of windstorm and other hazards of nature”. She said.
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