Ogun State Government has said that it will partner with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) to regenerate its forest reserves, revitalise forestry activities and mitigate the impact of climate change in the state.
Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, made the disclosure recently in Abeokuta, the state capital, while addressing the stakeholders at a forum tagged: “Deforestation for Charcoal Production” organised by the university to familiarise the public on the benefits of charcoal and how to manage tree exploitation for charcoal production without necessarily depleting the forest.
Lawal, in a statement signed by his Press Officer, Olusola Olubodun, noted that incessant exploitation of immature trees without replacing them was a major cause of deforestation leading to climate change.
He said: “Once a tree that stores carbon dioxide is felled, carbon dioxide is released into the air in excess, while oxygen that is supposed to be released for human benefit would either cease or reduce in quantity.”
The Commissioner expressed government’s readiness to collaborate with the institution towards regenerating the forest and re-orientating members of the public on how to carry-out charcoal production without endangering the forest and its ecosystem.
He advised the general public to always notify the ministry before felling any tree in line with Ogun State Forestry law, to enable government put necessary measures in place so as not to pose a threat to the environment.
Director, Directorate of Grants Management of the institution, Professor Kola Adebayo, commended the state government on its efforts at protecting the forest reserves, saying there is room for improvement.
He implored the people of the state to inculcate the habit of planning trees to enhance human survival.
