By Demi Adeniyi
The Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government on Tuesday, joined the Lagos State Government in its annual Tree Planting Day exercise, reaffirming its commitment to environmental sustainability and the creation of a healthier ecosystem for residents. The event, held at Harmony Estate Community Development Association (CDA), brought together government officials, community leaders, residents and environment advocates, in a concerted commitment to promote a greener and more environmentally friendly Lagos.
The Chairman of Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, Hon. Usman Akanbi Hamzat, who was represented at the event by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Oluwatoyin Awoniyi-Akerele, performed the symbolic tree planting on behalf of her boss. She noted that tree planting remains one of the most effective ways of combating climate change, improving air quality and preserving the environment for future generations.
Speaking during the exercise, Hon. Awoniyi-Akerele tasked residents and the people of Lagos, to embrace the culture of tree planting and nurture the trees planted, stressing that environmental conservation is a shared responsibility. She said the Lagos State Government’s initiative aligns with the local government’s commitment to sustainable development and the protection of natural resources within the council area.
According to her, this year’s exercise with the theme; Tree for Lagos: Our City Our Responsibility, emphasized that beyond beautifying the environment, trees provide numerous ecological and economic benefits, including reducing erosion and carbon emission, lowering climatic temperatures, improving biodiversity and enhancing the overall well-being of human beings. She encouraged individuals, schools, community groups and corporate organisations to continue to actively participate in environmental initiatives.
The Chairman of Harmony CDA, Adeyinka Aderibigbe, led leaders and residents of the community in commending the Lagos State Government and the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government for sustaining the annual tree planting campaign and for bringing it to their CDA.
Aderibigbe described the exercise as a timely intervention in addressing environmental challenges and pledged the commitment of the community in ensuring that the newly planted trees are nurtured, protected and properly maintained.
The event also served as an avenue to educate participants on the importance of environmental stewardship and the need for collective action in mitigating the effects of climate change. Residents were encouraged to adopt environmentally friendly practices, including proper waste disposal, regular sanitation and the planting of more trees in homes, schools and public spaces.
The tree planting exercise concluded with a renewed commitment by the Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government to continue supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and improve the quality of life of residents. Participants expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between government and communities would contribute significantly to building a cleaner, greener and more resilient Lagos.
