Ekiti State Marks 2026 International Day of Forests with Bold "Green Economy" Vision

Ekiti State Marks 2026 International Day of Forests with Bold "Green Economy" Vision

In a vibrant display of commitment to environmental sustainability and economic prosperity, the Ekiti State Government celebrated the 2026 International Day of Forests on Tuesday. Under the theme "Forests and Economies," the event highlighted a strategic shift by the Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji administration: viewing tree planting not merely as a conservation effort, but as a lucrative "green investment" for the citizens of the state.

The celebration commenced with an energetic awareness walk from the iconic Fajuyi Pavilion to the State Secretariat. The procession was led by top government officials, environmental advocates, and enthusiastic students from Iropora High School, Ajolagun High School, and St. Augustine High School.

Representing the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, delivered a keynote address that redefined the value of the state’s natural resources.

The Governor’s speech provided eye-opening statistics on the Return on Investment (ROI) for timber, noting that global trends are currently averaging 10% to 20% annual returns. Highlighting specific local opportunities, he noted that a Teak seedling costing less than ₦200 can mature into a pole worth ₦5,000 in just seven years, a value increase of over 30 times. Furthermore, a Khaya (Mahogany) seedling purchased for ₦500 can grow into a log worth over ₦100,000 in 15 years, representing a staggering 2,000-fold return on investment. "The best time to plant a tree was yesterday; the second-best time is today," the Governor urged, noting that Ekiti is the only state in Nigeria with a Private Sector Registered Tree Growers Association, which has already planted over one million stands.

The Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, Mr. Sunday Adekunle, announced several milestones achieved under his leadership, including the securing of forests once feared as dens for bandits, which have now been "opened up" for legitimate economic activity. The state has successfully reforested 250 hectares of land across various reserves, and funds have been by released by Mr. Governor for new forest control posts at Igbara Odo, Omuo, and Efon to curb illegal logging. Additionally, pilot schemes in Ilawe, Efon, and Oke Ako are utilizing economic trees as windbreakers to mitigate erosion and disaster risks.

The event featured unified goodwill messages from key cabinet members and partners. Commissioner for Environment, Erelu Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, emphasized that the forest is the "meeting point" for health and wealth, while Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, linked forest health directly to food security, warning that weather instability caused by deforestation is a primary threat to local farmers. The Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), led by President Owoeye Adekunle Peters, alongside the TGED Foundation and GADEF, pledged continued partnerships to educate the youth on practical forest restoration.

In his vote of thanks, Mr. Adekunle touched on a sobering historical truth, noting that the climate crisis currently being witnessed was predicted as far back as the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit. He warned that while the effects of deforestation are not always as immediate as a physical injury, they are far more dangerous to human life in the long run. The 2026 celebration concluded with a call to action for all residents to utilize subsidized seedlings from the Forestry Commission and transform Ekiti into a "Green Economy" powerhouse.

"Every tree planted today is an investment in the future of our environment, our economy, and our children." — Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji