From John Adeleye
The Commissioner for Environment in Ekiti State, Chief Mrs Tosin Ajisafe Aluko has inaugurated the planting of 1000 trees in the state, a significant environmental initiative aimed at enhancing the state’s green cover.
The project involves the planting of 1000 trees was donated by Mrs Abigael Olagbaye, President, of Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation a non-governmental organization committed to sustainable environmental practices.
The trees which were donated under the auspices of “Sayari Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation” was done to launch the Reforest Africa Initiative and as a lead-up to the maiden Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum ATCAF and 4th combined edition of Africa Tourism Day.
The tree-planting session was one of the pre-event activities of the Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum scheduled for 23- 26 November 2023 at Rev Abiodun Adetiloye Hall, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State
Aluko, who graced the event with her Permanent Secretary, Mr Alokan, and other members of staff expressed enthusiasm about the transformative impact this initiative will have on the state’s ecological landscape.
The commissioner highlighted the critical role trees play in mitigating climate change, fostering biodiversity, and improving air quality.
She emphasized the collaborative effort between the Ministry of Environment, Bureau of Tourism Development, Office of Community Communications, and Sayari Dunia at hosting the forum in Ekiti
Aluko said that collaborative effort is required to address environmental challenges, praising the Governor of the State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji on his strident efforts at conserving and protecting the Ekiti State environment
She commended the Sarayi Dunia Sustainable Tourism Foundation for its e philanthropic gesture in contributing to the state’s environmental resilience. The donated trees, a diverse selection of indigenous species, were carefully chosen to thrive in Ekiti State’s unique climate and soil conditions.
In her comment, Mrs Abigael Adesina Olagbaye disclosed that Ekiti State was picked as the venue of this year’s Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum because of the pristine state of its forest.
Mrs. Olagbaye said ” We are using this particular event in Ekiti State not only to raise awareness about our event – Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum which is taking place here in Ado but to kick-start our ‘ Re- Forest Africa – our determination to plant 30 million trees in Africa ‘
Mrs Olagbeye praised the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji for his constant support for initiatives that border on going green and enhancement of a sustainable environment.
Amb Wale Ojo-Lanre, the Director-General Bureau of Tourism Development stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.
He thanked Mrs Olagbaye for picking Ekiti State as the venue for this year’s Africa Tourism Climate Action Forum as the initiative aligns with the state government’s commitment to environmental conservation and underscores the shared responsibility of both government and civil society in preserving natural resources for future generations.
He called on Ekiti indigenes to actively participate in this initiative by supporting tree-planting efforts in their communities and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Mr Tunde Alokan, Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Ministry of Environment urged residents to recognize the collective impact of individual actions and join hands in building a greener and healthier Ekiti State.
All three distinguished personalities planted trees at the median of the new Iyin -Ado road.
