Daud Olatunji
In a continued effort to achieve his New Year’s resolution of planting 100 trees in 2024, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, the Honourable Minister of State for Environment, marked a significant milestone by planting his 50th tree in Ayetoro, Ogun State.
This tree planting is part of the “Greener Nigeria Campaign” initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and led by the Federal Ministry of Environment.
The event took place on Monday, June 17, 2024, amidst the Eid Kabir celebrations.
Dr. Salako’s commitment to the environment was on full display as he reached the halfway point of his ambitious goal.
The 50th tree was planted in memory of his late father, Alhaji Yunus Omotosho Salako, at the Permacultural Garden established by the Asalamualekum Foundation (AAF) at Ajoda High School, Ayetoro.
AAF, founded by Dr. Salako in 2011 to honour his father’s legacy, aims to green the school with over 100 trees.
During the event, Dr. Salako emphasized the importance of tree planting in combating climate change and fostering environmental sustainability.
He highlighted the Federal Government’s broader initiative to plant 2 million trees across 24 local government areas, engaging at least 1,200 youths annually.
This initiative aims to cover about 10 hectares of land per local government, creating community forests populated by fruit trees that will be maintained by local communities after an initial year of government support.
“The Federal Government will support the nurturing of these trees for one year, engaging youths and providing stipends to ensure their care. After this period, the trees will be handed over to the community for ongoing maintenance,” Dr. Salako explained.
The tree planting program, named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Green Heroes, is scheduled to commence nationwide in July to take advantage of the rainy season.
The choice of Ajoda High School for this tree planting event underscores the government’s strategy to involve children in environmental initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship from a young age.
Dr. Salako said he believes that secondary school children are the ideal participants for this program due to their maturity and ability to handle the planting and care of trees.
He added that this approach aims to embed environmental consciousness within local communities through the active participation of their youth.
Mr. Claudius Akinyemi, Vice Principal of Ajoda High School, expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister for including the school in the scheme.
He assured that the students would be motivated to engage in tree planting activities upon their return from the Eid Kabir break.
This event in Ayetoro follows Dr. Salako’s previous tree planting efforts at Birabi Memorial Grammar School in Ogoni land, Rivers State, and Junior Secondary School, Maitama, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
With these regions representing the South South and North Central zones respectively, the Ayetoro planting symbolizes the Southwest.
Dr. Salako plans to plant the remaining 50 trees in the North East, North West, and South East regions of Nigeria, underscoring his commitment to a nationwide environmental campaign.
Through these efforts, the “Greener Nigeria Campaign” aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the country, while also providing employment opportunities and promoting community involvement in environmental stewardship.
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