Ekiti Govt Directs LGs On Tree Planting

The Ekiti State
Government has directed the 16 local governments in the state to set aside 1,000 of land  hectares in their areas for tree planting.
The State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Eniola Ajayi, gave the directive in Ado-Ekiti when members of the executive of the state chapter of Tree Growers Association of Nigeria visited him in his office.
Ajayi told the delegation that the state government had regard for people’s lives and their environment and would do everything to improve the quality of life for the people.
She said that arrangements had been concluded to provide the necessary logistics that would encourage the culture of tree planting in all parts of the state.
The commissioner promised to collaborate with the state bureau of lands to make land available to interested individuals and private firms willing to invest in tree planting.
She said the government was also ready to assist investors to access soft loans from international donor agencies for tree planting.
Ajayi said that, henceforth, all public primary and secondary schools in the state would compulsorily engage in tree planting.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, described tree planting as a money making venture that could provide steady careers for young people.