‘Creating A Green Space:’ Lagos Mainland LG Educates High School Students, Others On Tree-Planting Benefits

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Mainland Local Government (LG) has educated students of the Ijero Girls High School, Ebute-Metta West, Lagos, on the significance of regular tree-planting in an effort to conserve their environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The LG carried out the exercise on Friday as part of its 2023 Annual Tree-Planting programme held at Ijero Girls Junior High School Ebute-Metta West, Lagos.

The event was themed “Let’s Green Our City.”

Since 2012, the United Nations has designated March 21 as the International Day of Forests.

According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the strategic placement of trees in urban areas can cool the air between 2°C and 8°C, and large urban trees are excellent filters for urban pollutants and fine particulates.

It adds that trees planted in urban centres could absorb up to 150kg of Carbon (IV) Oxides (CO2) per year, sequester carbon and consequently mitigate climate change.

In a statement issued by the Lagos Mainland LG’S Public Affairs Unit on Friday, it said the tree-planning orientation is an important initiative aimed at promoting environmental sustainability and raising awareness about the benefits of tree planting within the community.

“The aim of this yearly event is to promote awareness about the importance of trees for mitigating climate change, enhancing air quality, and beautifying the local landscape,” it said.

Meanwhile, Friday’s event began with a welcome address by the LG’s Chairman, Hon. Omolola Rashidat Essien, who expressed gratitude to all participants.

She emphasised the importance of tree-planting initiatives in mitigating the impacts of climate change and creating a healthier living environment for all residents.

The programme featured a wide range of activities, including tree-planting and nurturing demonstrations, and educational talks on tree species and their benefits.

“The students of Ijero Girls High School enthusiastically participated in the activities, learning the importance of conserving the environment and creating a green space in their communities,” part of the statement reads.

Participants were said to have been provided with the necessary tree-planting equipment, including shovels, saplings, and gloves.

They were divided into small groups and assigned specific areas within the designated open space to dig holes and plant the saplings.

“This collaborative effort fostered a sense of community engagement and action towards environmental sustainability,” the Lagos Mainland LG said.

The event concluded with a closing remark, where the Vice Chairman Hon. Jubril Emilagba expressed his appreciation for the active participation and commitment of all attendees.

He encouraged continued support for future tree-planting events and other environmental initiatives.

The Executive Chairman of Lagos Mainland Local Government, Hon. Essien, along with the Vice Chairman Hon. Emilagba, Council Leader Hon Afeez Oloto, Secretary to the Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Ogunniyi, Mrs Adenike Ajayi, who represented the Director General, Educational District 4 Mr Osinaike, Council Manager, Mr Wasiu Akintola, Council Treasurer Mrs Saula Funsho Ganiat, HOD Environment Department Mrs Pedro Q.A and other Management Staff of the council, local government staff, representatives from environmental organizations, community leaders, and enthusiastic volunteers graced the event.

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