Ogun State Government says its partnership with private wood processing industries on tree planting is paying off, as Omo Wood Tree Planting Site in area J4 Forest Reserve cultivated 50 hectares of land, while Smart Wood Nigeria Limited has also begun the cultivation of 10 hectares of land.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the aforementioned industries, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Forestry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji, said the development would create more jobs for the citizens and further improve the economy, as well as restore and regenerate forestry in the State, saying the wood processing industries were set to commence operations soonest.
Mr. Timothy said the Ministry was working towards stemming the tide of global warming, erosion, and ozone depletion through tree planting, appealing to the industries to ensure proper tree replanting to replace those that did not geminate, noting that the State was becoming a model in Nigeria in the aspect of forestry management.
The Permanent Secretary pointed out that the present administration was determined to harness various opportunities accruing in the forestry sector, calling on individuals, cooperate organisations, and private institutions to key into the investment drive of the government for the growth and development of the State.
He said, ‘’We are impressed with what we have seen here, but I want to appeal that you do proper maintenance, it is not all about planting but after planting, proper beating up must be done to replace those that did not geminate”.
Speaking, the Operation Manager, Smart Wood Nigeria Limited, Mr. Sule Adekunle said when the industry begins full operation, it would provide 1000 jobs, as members of the local communities would be opportune to work in the plantation and the factory.
According to Adekunle,‘’ part of the factory’s Corporate Social Responsibility is to allow the host communities to participate actively in the operation of the industry, towards improving their well-being and socio-economic development of the State.
