Daud Olatunji
Nigerian Breweries Plc., in partnership with the Ogun State Government and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has intensified efforts in restoring the Olokemeji Forest Reserve through a reforestation initiative aimed at enhancing biodiversity, water retention, and climate resilience.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the initiative, which aligns with Nigerian Breweries’ sustainability goals, has already seen the restoration of 292 hectares of land, with the planting of 283,904 trees spanning over 70 indigenous species such as African Breadfruit (Ukwa) and Araba.
A statement issued from the Nigerian Breweries PLC, a f.amde available to PLATFORM TIMES, read that unlike commercial reforestation efforts that rely on exotic species, the project prioritizes native trees to ensure long-term ecological balance.
Speaking at the project site, Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, stressed the need for continuous conservation efforts amid economic activities.
“While logging licenses exist, due diligence must be ensured to protect conservation efforts.
“Nigerian Breweries is committed to working with government authorities to create a sustainable balance between economic activity and environmental preservation,” she stated.
Beyond tree planting, the initiative has also empowered over 100 community members through training in sustainable farming, beekeeping, and conservation techniques, helping to reduce dependence on deforestation-driven livelihoods.
According to Morgan, over 50 families have benefited from the beekeeping programme, creating alternative income sources while promoting environmental sustainability.
She further revealed that the next phase of the project aims to expand reforestation efforts to cover 618 hectares, with increased focus on community engagement and securing public-private partnerships to sustain the initiative.
One of the beneficiaries, Taiwo, a former casual worker on the project, shared how the initiative transformed his life. With the support of Nigerian Breweries, he was able to further his education and now studies Forestry at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The Olokemeji Forest Restoration Project highlights the role of corporate organizations in environmental conservation. As the initiative progresses, Nigerian Breweries has called for more stakeholders to join in preserving Nigeria’s forests for future generations.
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