Ojokoro Local Council Development Area on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, joined the rest of Lagos State in commemorating the 2026 Lagos State Tree Planting Day, with a renewed call on residents to embrace tree planting and environmental conservation as a shared responsibility.
The exercise, held at Mosunmola Adepegba Street, Awori Area, was part of the statewide event simultaneously held across the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas under the theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility.”
In her keynote address, the Executive Chairman of Ojokoro LCDA, Hon. (Barr.) Oluyemisi Adenike Rosiji, described tree planting as a practical solution to the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation. She highlighted the numerous benefits of trees, including the production of oxygen, absorption of carbon dioxide, prevention of erosion, reduction of heat, improvement of air quality and beautification of communities.
The Chairman urged residents to cultivate the habit of planting and nurturing trees while condemning the indiscriminate felling of trees. She also called on residents to maintain a clean environment by properly disposing of waste, keeping drainage channels free from refuse and actively participating in the monthly environmental sanitation exercise to prevent flooding and promote public health.
Earlier, the Council Manager, Dr. Idowu Banjoko, welcomed participants and emphasized the vital role trees play in sustaining life, explaining that while humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. He therefore encouraged everyone to plant, nurture and protect trees for the benefit of present and future generations.
Also speaking, the Council’s LASPARK Desk Officer, Sanitarian Ojo Cecilia, enlightened participants on the environmental importance of trees and demonstrated the proper tree planting procedure, explaining that seedlings should be carefully planted in adequately prepared holes, covered firmly with topsoil, watered immediately and properly nurtured to ensure healthy growth and survival.
Delivering the vote of thanks, the Supervisor for Environment, Mr. Adeoye Olateju, appreciated all dignitaries, stakeholders and residents for their active participation. He urged everyone to make it a lifelong habit to protect trees from indiscriminate felling, stressing that preserving trees is essential to sustaining life and creating a healthier environment for generations to come.
The event attracted APC Apex Leaders, traditional rulers, the present and former Member of the House of Representatives, members of the Legislative Arm, Council management, principal officers, community leaders and residents.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic tree planting exercise led by the Executive Chairman, during which dignitaries, councillors, management staff and other stakeholders enthusiastically took turns to plant tree seedlings in demonstration of their commitment to a greener and healthier Ojokoro.