Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
In its effort to curb illegal activities in its forest reserves, Ogun State government has assured that it will strengthen its joint-surveillance team-up with public and private organisations to ensure optimum security. Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Tunji Akinosi gave this assurance in Abeokuta, during a meeting with Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), on ways of charting a new course for forestry protection and sustainability in the State. Akinosi said the present administration, in its determination to reduce illegal settlements, farming and other activities affecting forestry practices, would support the formation of surveillance groups to safeguard the reserves. “We’ll proudly give our maximum support to the collaboration with public and private organisations, to ensure optimum security in our forest reserves in order to curb illegal activities affecting forestry growth and development,” he stated.
On his part, the Chairman, FAN, Dr. Kayode Ogunjobi, noted that any form of collaborative action by the government would further develop, improve and sustain forest management in the State, adding that the Association had proposed a summit with the Nigerian Institute of Chartered Foresters.