Ogun says five million trees planted as state targets deforestation

The Ogun State Government says it has planted about five million trees and restored operations at the state’s nine forest reserves as part of efforts to combat deforestation and protect biodiversity. The Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, disclosed the figures on Saturday at the 10th anniversary of the Irewolede Plank Sellers and Wood Workers Association in Ogun State, according to a statement shared with journalists. Oludotun urged timber merchants, plank sellers and woodworkers to work with the government on tree planting and responsible harvesting.

He asked industry participants to source timber from designated forest reserves and plant replacement trees for those that were cut down. The commissioner said sustainable forestry was necessary to preserve the environment and maintain the supply of timber for future generations. The government’s appeal reflects the challenge of balancing the economic role of the wood industry with the conservation of forests.

The source material said forests provide livelihoods, support biodiversity, help regulate the climate and reduce soil erosion. It also noted that conservation efforts increasingly focus on managing existing forests, enforcing forestry rules and involving communities and businesses that rely on timber. The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025, cited in the statement, reported that global deforestation averaged 10.9 million hectares a year between 2015 and 2025.

That was lower than the annual average of 17.6 million hectares recorded between 1990 and 2000, although forests remained under pressure worldwide. Other stakeholders at the anniversary called on plank sellers and woodworkers to adopt modern technology to improve their operations and reduce their environmental impact. They also urged young people to develop habits that support environmental protection.

Association chairman Gbemisola Adenekan said the anniversary represented the group’s unity, resilience and contribution to the wood industry. He said members could thrive only in conditions of peace, security and support for legitimate economic activity. Adenekan said the industry’s future depended on greater responsibility, innovation and cooperation, while reaffirming the association’s commitment to members’ welfare, unity and community development.