Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged residents to embrace tree planting as part of efforts to combat climate change and improve the environment. The governor made the call on Saturday during the flag-off of the 2025 tree planting campaign at the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.
Governor Sets Ambitious Target
Sanwo-Olu announced that the state government aims to plant 20,000 trees this year, building on the success of previous campaigns. He emphasized that tree planting is a collective responsibility and called on individuals, communities, and organizations to participate actively.
“We are targeting 20,000 trees this year, and I encourage every Lagosian to plant at least one tree. This is not just a government project; it is a movement for a greener, healthier Lagos,” the governor said.
Benefits of Tree Planting
The governor highlighted the multiple benefits of trees, including absorbing carbon dioxide, providing shade, preventing erosion, and enhancing the beauty of the environment. He noted that trees also help in reducing the heat island effect in urban areas, which is particularly important for a megacity like Lagos.
“Trees are vital in our fight against climate change. They absorb pollutants, provide oxygen, and create a conducive environment for all living things. I urge everyone to see tree planting as an investment in the future,” Sanwo-Olu added.
Community Participation
The event saw the participation of government officials, environmental activists, and students. The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, reiterated the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and called for strict adherence to the state’s tree planting policy.
“We have a policy that requires developers to plant trees in their projects. We will enforce this to ensure that our environment remains green and sustainable,” Bello said.
Previous Achievements
The Lagos State government has planted over 100,000 trees in the last five years through various initiatives. The 2025 campaign is part of the state’s broader strategy to mitigate the effects of climate change and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sanwo-Olu also used the occasion to call on residents to desist from indiscriminate felling of trees and to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.
