The Ekiti State government has announced its ambitious plan to plant two million trees in 2024 as part of efforts to establish a carbon sink and bolster the state’s environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the first plenary session of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ekiti State Chapter, held at St. Philip’s Anglican Church in Aramoko-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe, emphasized the importance of combating climate change and its adverse effects on the environment and human health.
Aluko-Ajisafe, represented by the Director of Nature Conservation and Climate Change, Mr. Babatunde Akinola, highlighted Ekiti State’s vulnerability to climate change and the urgent need for mitigation measures. She emphasized that while climate change may not directly cause fatalities, it poses significant threats such as extreme weather events, water scarcity, food shortages, and environmental degradation.
In response to these challenges, the commissioner outlined the state government’s proactive measures, including vulnerability assessments, flood alert systems, and the construction of dams and waterways. She also revealed the government’s target of planting two million trees in 2024 to enhance carbon sequestration and mitigate climate change impacts.
Furthermore, Aluko-Ajisafe highlighted ongoing initiatives by the State Environmental Protection Agency, including desiltation and dredging of canals to prevent flooding, installation of waste disposal bins in strategic locations in Ado Ekiti to improve waste management, and regular fumigation of waste dump sites in the state capital.
The Ekiti State government’s commitment to environmental conservation and climate resilience underscores its dedication to fostering a sustainable future for its citizens.