…as NGO plants 210 economic trees in Ado Ekiti.
The founder of a Non Governmental Organization, Green for Abundance Development and Empowerment Foundation, GADEF, Mr Oludare Babatope Faboya has reiterated the need for Nigerians to develop the habit of planting trees, especially economic trees, saying that they were sources of income.
Mr Faboya made the statement during the tree planting campaign flag-off at the Catholic Diocesan Nature Park, at Ajilosun in Ado Ekiti
” I am truly honoured to stand before you as we come together to Mark a momentous occasion, as we celebrate the inauguration of the Catholic Diocesan Nature Park in Ado Ekiti, a collaborative effort of Ekiti State Tree Growers Association EKSTIGA and Justice Development Peace Initiative JDPI with our NGO, GADEF, Faboya added.
He noted that deforestation, degradation of ecosystems and alarming loss of mature trees have far reaching ecological consequences.
” These issues will not only distrupt the delicate balance of natural habitats but will also have negative effect on local communities and biodiversity, he said.
Also the Co Founder of the NGO, Mr Ben Olubunmi Olatilu explained that the move would help mitigate effects of
climate change and environmental degradation
” In response to these challenges, it is imperative that we embrace sustainable practices and priotize conservation Initiatives such as the Catholic Diocesan Nature Park, by dedicating resources resources to preserve and research indigenous tree species, establishing seed and gene bank, “he explained.
He explained that it was necessary to sensitise Nigerians on the importance of planting trees.
“We can collectively work towards mitigating the destructive effects of climate change and protect our environment but also safeguard invaluable resources for future generations” Olatilu noted.
Mr Olatilu added, “this project is not a one time endeavour, it is a continuous commitment, beyond its role as a Nature park, it will serve as a vital seed bank for rare indegeneous tree seedlings, many of which are on the brink of extinction.
The Bishop of Ekiti Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Felix Ajakaiye who flagged off the tree planting explained that the initiative would help save the environment from imminent destruction.
” First and Foremost, nature is very important and that is why God created Nature for himself and for humanity, Tree planting is very important apart from its economic benefits. It is also called windshield.
” We emphasized Urbanization more than Nature, but Nature should be preseved because it makes us reflect that God is the Almighty, tree planting should be a major priority.
Bishop Ajakaiye who decried improper waste management and illegal felling of trees said that government at all levels and everyone should take tree planting serious.
” We don’t need to be promoting tree planting without proper implementation, though it is good to keep encouraging our people but we must all be sincere and take planting trees seriously by ensuring that we all plant one tree,” the Catholic Bishop concluded.
The Green for Abundance Development and Empowerment Foundation, GADEF was established in 2019, with mandate to preserve environment through research and cultivation of both timber and non-timber forest products.