By Hadiza Abdulkadir
Ekiti State Governor Mr Biodun Oyebanji has described sustainable forests as critical to his administration’s food security agenda.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti at the 2025 International Day of Forests, the Governor reaffirmed his commitment to sustainable forest management and environmental conservation.
Oyebanji, represented by the State Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, spoke on the theme “Forests and Food” and emphasized 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 sustain livelihoods, ensuring food security for millions of people.
He urged a unified commitment to preserving the state’s forest resources to ensure the sector significantly contributes to the economic development of the state.
In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Environment, Hon. Oladele Ogunsakin, hailed the inclusion of environmental sustainability as a sub-agenda in the 6-pillar of the Oyebanji-led administration.
Ogunsakin emphasised the importance of enhancing afforestation efforts, urging all stakeholders to engage actively in forest conservation.
Additionally, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Erelu Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, praised the Governor Oyebanji-led administration for its dedication to forest preservation aimed at enhancing food production.
Aluko-Ajisafe, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Mr. Tunde Balogun, praised the courage of Non-Governmental Organizations for raising awareness about the importance of discouraging deforestation and bush burning.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State Forestry Commission, Mr. Idowu Akinlabi, stated that the annual celebration aims to highlight the various values of forests and to share experiences on how forests and trees enrich lives and theenvironment.
Akinlabi, who noted that preserving the forest was necessary for food security, called on communities and individuals to support the government in protecting the ecosystem.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of Ekiti State Forestry Commission, Mr. Sunday Adekunle, thanked the governor for his steadfast support of forestry initiatives in the state.
Adekunle raised concerns about deforestation and overlogging in some communities in the northern part of the state, warning that this could lead to environmental degradation.
While urging collaborative efforts to combat deforestation in the state, the Executive Secretary announced the distribution of 100 seedlings to each participating school to foster a culture of environmental conservation among young people.
The event was attended by key government officials, including the Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Babatope Ojo; and his counterpart in the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, among others.