The Federal Government and the Oyo State Government have thrown their weight behind the 2026 Operation One Million Trees campaign, warning that urgent environmental action is needed to address the growing threats posed by climate change, deforestation and poor waste management.
The initiative, which seeks to restore forest reserves and promote sustainable environmental practices, was officially launched at the University of Ibadan under the theme, “Technology-Driven Solutions for Forest Protection.” Stakeholders at the event stressed that environmental degradation is becoming an increasingly serious challenge with implications for food security, biodiversity and economic development.
Representing the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, Dr. Igbinosa Osakwe said environmental sustainability requires collective action from governments, educational institutions, civil society organisations and local communities. He noted that the environmental challenges confronting Nigeria cannot be tackled by government alone and called for greater participation from young people in conservation efforts.
According to him, climate change continues to pose significant risks to livelihoods and ecosystems, making tree planting and forest restoration critical components of long-term environmental protection strategies.
The Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Ademola Aderinto, also expressed concern over the increasing rate of deforestation across the country. He identified indiscriminate tree felling for housing projects, commercial activities and infrastructure development as one of the major contributors to environmental degradation.
Aderinto urged residents and developers to adopt more environmentally responsible practices, including planting multiple trees whenever one is removed. He also encouraged property developers to preserve existing trees where possible by incorporating them into construction designs rather than clearing entire green areas.
Speaking at the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Renewable and Natural Resources, University of Ibadan, Professor Adejoke Akinyele, said the programme demonstrates the institution’s commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through practical environmental initiatives.
She explained that the tree-planting campaign is designed to contribute to climate-change mitigation efforts while raising awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship.
Organisers of the programme revealed that modern technologies, including drone-assisted seeding, would be deployed to improve planting efficiency and expand coverage across designated locations.
Chairman of the Association for Forest Conservation and Green Industrial Charcoal Merchants, Idowu Adesola, said the project also seeks to promote sustainable charcoal production and encourage compliance with environmental regulations.
The campaign targets the planting of one million trees across Oyo, Ekiti and Kwara states. Identified locations include the Ijaiye Forest Reserve, Odo Ogun in Iseyin and Baasi in Atisbo Local Government Area of Oyo State. In Kwara State, planting activities are taking place in Alapa and Korowa, while the Aiyede-Ishan Forest Reserve serves as the focal point in Ekiti State.
The event attracted representatives from several federal agencies, environmental organisations and forestry stakeholders, all of whom reiterated the need for sustained action to safeguard Nigeria’s forests and combat the effects of climate change.
