THE Ekiti State Forestry Commission, under the leadership of Executive Secretary Otunba Adekunle Sunday David, hosted an impressive celebration for the International Day of Forests 2025. The event, themed “Forests and Food,” took place at the Commission’s office in Ado-Ekiti and was attended by notable dignitaries and representatives from various sectors.
In her address, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, the Head of Service representing the Ekiti State Governor, expressed her gratitude for being part of this significant occasion. She acknowledged the global importance of forests, emphasizing their crucial role in sustaining life on Earth and their myriad benefits, including biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
“The theme ‘Forests and Food’ highlights the interconnectedness of our ecosystems and the essential relationship between forests, food security, and sustainable development,” she stated. Olomojobi underscored that forests are vital not only for timber and other resources but also for supporting livelihoods and contributing to food and water security for millions.
Among the attendees were Rt. Hon. Taiwo Franklin Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, and Mr. Ojo Babatope, Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Food Security. Hon. Oladele Ogunsakin, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, also addressed the gathering, commending the state’s efforts in sustainable forestry practices. He praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s six-pillar agenda aimed at transforming Ekiti State and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for its citizens.
“The protection of our forests is paramount,” Ogunsakin remarked. “Together, we must reaffirm our commitment to sustainable forest management and actively participate in afforestation and environmental conservation.”
Several non-governmental organizations advocating for restoration and sustainable forest management, including GADEF and TGED, also attended the event, reinforcing the call for collective action in safeguarding forest resources.
In his closing remarks, Otunba Adekunle Sunday David expressed appreciation for the governor’s unwavering support towards the Commission’s initiatives. He highlighted the importance of forests as essential resources for both the environment and revenue generation for the state. The Executive Secretary announced that the Commission would provide 100 seedlings to each participating school as part of an awareness campaign aimed at instilling the value of forestry in younger generations.
David lamented the adverse effects of overlogging and the resultant environmental degradation in areas like Oke-Ako in Ikole-Ekiti. He underscored the need for collaborative efforts to address the challenges of deforestation and its impact on local communities.
As part of the celebration, the Governor presented trees to invited secondary schools, including Christ School, Ado Muslim College, St. Augustine Oye-Ekiti, and SUBEB Nursery and Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, fostering a spirit of environmental stewardship among the youth.
The event underscored the critical role of forests in a sustainable future and emphasized the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and government to protect and restore these invaluable resources.
“Let’s work together to keep Ekiti working, embracing the theme of the day and taking actionable steps to promote sustainable land use practices,” Olomojobi concluded, encouraging participants to celebrate and protect the forests for generations to come.