As the world celebrated the 2018 International Day of Forest (IDF), the Oyo State Government has warned members of the public to desist from illegal tree felling and indiscriminate bush burning.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, Oyewole Oyewumi gave this warning, on Wednesday, at 2018 International Day of Forest (IDF) celebration at Methodist Grammar School, Bodija area, Ibadan.
The Commissioner explained that the government has placed surveillance on the forest reserves to apprehend those who are involved in the illegal act, adding that offenders will be punished accordingly.
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Oyewumi who was represented by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s special adviser on Agriculture, Professor Adetokunbo Adekunle noted that the importance of trees in our society cannot be over-emphasized.
The environment without trees is prone to hazard, therefore Oyewunmi said it is advisable for all to plant at least a tree, to ensure a greener environment.
He said further that the present administration in the State has restored all depleted forests through collaboration with the local and foreign investors to ensure afforestation.
According to him, the government has signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the private investors on the need for reforestation of the degraded forest reserves.
While planting the trees to commemorate 2018 International Day of Forest, Oyewumi, however, called on all to imbibe tree planting, adding that planting of trees is now necessary in order to achieve greener, healthier, happier and sustainable environment.