By Kayode Tokede
Furtherance to tackle climate change and improve on green environment in the country, Rotary club executives and members in Ogun and Lagos projected 50,000 trees planting before the end of 2021.
Executives and members of the international service organization joined the world to mark 2021 annual Tree Planting Day Celebration.
Celebrating the tree planting day, the Rotary Club of Ota under the auspices of newly elected President, Rotarian Olawale Hassan and its members planted 300 trees to combat environmental degradation in Ota on Saturday.
Speaking at the tree planting and beautification of Ilo Awela Road, Ota, Ogun state, Rotarian Hassan expressed that tree planting is one of the safe planet plans of the international club.
According to him, “Rotary club international has seven areas of focus and one of which is what we are doing today.
“The tree-planting activity is to ensure we have a safe environment, work on climate change challenges, and to ensure our environment is cleaner and conducive for living.”
Speaking on maintaining the planted trees, he said, “It was part of things Rotary club considered and our projects are well-looked after.
“The trees planted last year are maintained as we have engaged people to look after them.
“Today, we planted 300 trees, and before the end of the year, we are taking over the entire road.”
Rotarian Hassan, said the decision to plant trees along Ilo-Awela road was consistent with his administration’s determination to support ‘Go Green Environment.’
He further implored well-meaning Nigerians to, as a matter of priority, embrace tree planting, effective management of domestic wastes, and routine environmental sanitation as their indispensable contributions to global development.
As a result, the president said, “We will continue to plant trees to commemorate the International Tree Planting Day and to contribute our quotas.”
The Chairman, Planet Earth Committee Rotary Club District 9110, Rotarian Henry Akinbobola, expressed that the club was consistent with the renewed global efforts targeted at stemming the catastrophic tides of climate change.
He expressed that the committee set up by Rotary club in Ogun and Lagos plans to plant 50,000 trees.
He added that the tree planting was its efforts in line with International Tree Planting Day.
“Rotary Clubs across the world are expected to plant trees, gardens and beautify parks creatively manage wastes, and supports the coastal regions among others,” he said.
The Changemaker President, Rotary club of Ota, Rtn. Zainab Akinwande said, “For the public, because of the emergency of climate change, Rotary of Ota has expanded its areas of focus in a bid to support the environment.”
The Assistant Governor, District 9110, Rotarian (Dr.) Femi Oloyede, said Rotary Club International has been giving its selfless contributions over the years, Rotary had proven to be a dependable ally in global affairs.
“We are always ready to do more for our environment, especially the choice of planting trees at Ilo-Awela road, for I know that when the trees survive, they will not only beautify the environment but gives healthy environment too,” he expressed while lauding the efforts of Rotary Club of Ota.