The Oyo State government announced on Tuesday that it is partnering with secondary‑school students as critical stakeholders to mitigate forest challenges in the state. State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources Abiodun Oni made the declaration at the Federal College of Forestry in Jericho, Ibadan, during the 2023 International Day of Forests celebration, themed “Healthy Forests for Healthy People.” The event was organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in conjunction with the college.
Oni explained that involving students is essential because they can influence their parents and communities. He said the ministry has selected five secondary schools in Ibadan and two each in Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun I, Oke Ogun II, and Ibarapa for the clean‑and‑green initiative. A total of 831 tree seedlings were distributed to these schools for planting on their premises, providing students with practical experience in seedling production, planting, and subsequent silvicultural management.
In his speech, Adedayo Memudu, Acting Director of Technical Programmes at the foundation, urged Nigerians to plant trees to combat deforestation and curb climate‑change impacts, emphasizing that forests are an endowment that must be preserved for humanity’s benefit. Provost Funmi Aderonmu of the college also called for a clean and green environment, stating, “When our forest is healthy, we enjoy healthy living. Destroying our forest means destroying ourselves. We must ensure we have green plants around us, as they supply the oxygen we need to survive; without them, survival is threatened.”
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