Speech made by Hon. Fola Salami (Chairman, House Committee on Forestry and Member, Ifo II State Constituency) at the 2024 International Day of Forests (IDF)
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Good day, ladies and gentlemen,

I’m glad to be invited to this year’s event of the International Day of Forests (IDF)

I most sincerely thank the Commissioner for Forestry and other management members for this special invitation.

The theme for today’s event “Forest and Innovation” is a wake-up call for everyone to preserve and protect our forest life as they form part of our collective existence.

The role of the Ministry of Forestry is a huge one that involves not just protecting the trees in our forest from illegal loggers but to preserving the ecosystem that harbors wildlife from poachers. Civilization, industrialization, globalization, and many others have caused a huge threat to the balance of climate due to excessive tree logging for construction purposes but the role of the Ministry of Forest and increased public Awareness can help us mitigate this.

While these listed factors allow for the rapid deforestation of our forest we must be deliberate to keep our forest the way it should be by planting new breeds of trees that can grow very quickly to replace the fallen ones. This will reduce desertification and keep the ecosystem the same.

In all, we must strategically plant trees not just in the forest but in our homes and offices to reduce hazardous CO2 in the atmosphere as plants serve as one of the reservoirs for carbon capture. Trees also serve as a beautification medium when planted in towns and cities making the whole place go green and serene.

Trees also help us to trap and reduce urban/city noises, it also help to protect harmful UV lights from the sun, and above all are sources of oxygen supply for humans which is an essential part of our existence.

These innovative ideas and forest reserve lies in our hands. As I retreat to sit I will urge the Ministry of Forest and its managers to seek good public-private partnerships that will increase the awareness and planning of trees in our society. Government alone can’t do it.

Thank you!