Ogbomoso Chamber of Commerce launches tree planting campaign, targets 1m trees, as it urges investments in town

Ogbomoso Chamber of Commerce launches tree planting campaign, targets 1m trees, as it urges investments in town

Niyi AJALA

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The Ogbomoso Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OGBOCCIMA), in collaboration with the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, has officially flagged off the Ogbomoso City Tree Planting Campaign as part of the nationwide initiative aimed at planting one million trees to combat climate change and improve the environment.

Speaking during the event held at the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, the chairman of the campaign, Mr. Ayanbanji Ojo, disclosed that the Oyo state campaign was flagged off on July 29, while the Ogbomoso city campaign commenced with the ceremonial planting exercise.

According to him, the campaign is designed to encourage every citizen to plant trees as a personal contribution towards environmental sustainability, climate protection and a greener future.

The symbolic tree planting began with participants taking turns to plant trees.

The vice president of the Ogbomoso Recreation Club, Professor Ben Ogunlade, planted the second tree on behalf of the club’s president. He expressed appreciation to the Ogbomoso Chamber of Commerce for partnering with the Recreation Club and for carrying the club along in the laudable environmental initiative.

The third tree was planted by the immediate past president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Kikelomo Adegbola, who expressed joy that Ogbomoso had joined the national tree planting campaign.

Adegbola stated that the initiative should not be limited to the Recreation Club alone, stressing that from next year it should spread to other parts of Ogbomoso. She also appealed to sons and daughters of Ogbomoso in the diaspora to return home and invest, assuring them that the town remains peaceful and safe.

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Former Golf Captain, Mr. Isaac Ojo, planted the fourth tree and commended the Chamber of Commerce for bringing the initiative to Ogbomoso.

The fifth tree was planted by the chamber’s women leader, Pastor Mrs. Alabi Olawumi, who encouraged residents to embrace tree planting as a responsibility to future generations.

The sixth tree was planted by Agbaakin of Okin-Apa, Chief Pekun Amstrong Olaleye, who stressed the importance of environmental conservation and urged everyone to support the campaign.

The seventh tree was planted by Professor Jide Ajao, who said he was delighted to participate.

Prof Ajao recalled planting a tree around LAUTECH several years ago and described the opportunity to plant another tree as a privilege.

He emphasized that trees remain vital to environmental protection.

The eighth tree was planted by Mr. Amusan, popularly known as “Baba Agbe.” He called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of planting trees to reduce the effects of deforestation. He noted that the favourable weather should encourage more tree planting and appreciated the Chamber of Commerce for organizing the programme.

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The ninth tree was planted by Mr. Oketona Olayemi, while the tenth tree was planted by Mr. Ademola Sunday, treasurer of the Ogbomoso Chamber of Commerce.

Mr.Adeniran Adebayo Babatunde .Youth Representative (NYE) also planted.

Other participants who planted trees included the representative of the Ogbomoso community, Chief Dokun Martins, who warned that indiscriminate felling of trees amounts to destroying the environment. Representatives of students also participated in the exercise, demonstrating the importance of involving the younger generation in environmental sustainability.

Delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs. Kikelomo Adegbola of the Chamber noted that Ogbomoso enjoys favourable weather suitable for diverse agricultural production. She encouraged both residents and indigenes in the diaspora to take advantage of the town’s agricultural potential and commended His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, Orumogege III, for his commitment to the development of Ogbomoso.

A representative of the Ogbomoso Recreation Club also appreciated the Chamber for choosing the club as the venue for the flag-off, stressing that continuous public enlightenment is necessary to encourage tree planting. He equally praised the monarch for his developmental efforts.

Also speaking, Chief Amstrong Olaleye appealed to investors, particularly Ogbomoso indigenes living outside the town, to return home and invest in the community, noting that Ogbomoso remains a safe and promising destination for business and development.

The event concluded with a collective call on residents to make tree planting a regular practice as a practical step towards preserving the environment for future generations.

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