The Ekiti state government has taken decisive action against illegal activities within its forest reserves, as officers of the state Forestry Task Force set ablaze a sprawling 20-hectare Indian hemp plantation nestled within the Ise Forest Reserves.
Speaking on Sunday in Ado-Ekiti, the Executive Secretary of the State Forestry Commission, Sunday Adekunle, disclosed that the operation was prompted by intelligence indicating nefarious activities in the Government Reserves along the Ise axis.
“The 20-hectare Indian hemp plantation and nursery, prepared for transplanting of the illegal weeds, were destroyed in the operation,” Adekunle stated.
Adekunle emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to combatting illegalities in the state’s forest reserves, while also striving to reduce the rate of deforestation.
He highlighted the commission’s agenda, which prioritizes making the state forest reserves more productive and eliminating criminal elements from these vital ecological zones.
Furthermore, Adekunle lauded the recent recruitment efforts under the Governor Biodun Oyebanji-led administration, which saw the addition of 22 new forest officers and 17 boundary guards.
He noted the positive impact of these measures, particularly in bolstering security through regular patrols of the forest reserves.
The commission is also working to encourage local farmers to engage in farming activities within the forest reserves through agroforestry methods, with a focus on planting tree seedlings raised at the Commission’s Central Nursery at Erinfun in Ado-Ekiti.
Adekunle assured the public of ongoing efforts in public education and sensitization on crucial areas such as tree planting, wildlife preservation, and fire control, aimed at enhancing forest conservation and afforestation endeavors in the state.
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