…as Oyebanji says forests critical to food security

Ekiti State Forestry Commission has distributed 100 seedlings to schools as part of efforts to instil a culture of environmental conservation among young people.

Sunday Adekunle, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, said this while speaking in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State at the 2025 International Day of Forests

This is coming as Biodun Oyebanji ,Ekiti State Governor, described sustainable forests as a critical factor to the food security agenda of his administration.

Speaking in Ado Ekiti at the 2025 International Day of Forests, the governor reiterated his commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.

Oyebanji, who was represented by Folakemi Olomojobi, the State Head of Service, spoke on the theme “Forests and Food”; emphasising the crucial role of forests in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and food security.

The governor stated that forests are not only sources of timber but also sustainers of livelihoods which ensures food security for millions of people.

Read also: Delta State secures N1bn from European Investment Bank to tackle environmental challenges

He called for a collective commitment to preserving the State’s forest resources to make the sector contribute significantly to the economic development of the State.

Oladele Ogunsakin, Vice Chairman, State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, hailed the inclusion of environmental sustainability as a sub-agenda in the 6-pillar of the Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration.

Ogunsakin stressed the need for stronger afforestation efforts, urging all stakeholders to actively participate in forest conservation.

Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, commended the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration for its commitment to forest preservation with the aim of boosting food production.

Aluko-Ajisafe who was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Tunde Balogun, saluted the courage of Non-Governmental Organizations in sensitising people on the need to discourage deforestation and bush burning.

Earlier , the Chairman of the State Forestry Commission, Idowu Akinlabi, said the annual celebration was to reflect many values of forests and share experiences on how forests and trees enrich lives and environment.

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