March 8, 2018

Mr Akinrele Olusegun, the immediate-past Chairman, FCT Chapter, Nigerian Environmental Society (NES), on Thursday, advised Nigerians to cultivate the culture of planting trees in their environment.

Olusegun gave the advice in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

“Nigerians should use tree planting to mitigate the impact of climate change on our environment,’’ he said.

He decried the constant felling of trees for fuel-wood, saying that the practice must not be allowed to continue because of its devastating consequences on the environment.

According to him, the impact of climate change is one thing that should concern Nigerians.

“Nigerians are quick to condemning the environment through constant felling of trees for economic purposes and indiscriminate dumping of wastes without any attempt to plant trees and clear the wastes.

“In most advanced countries, trees as well as the environment is a major concern of citizens and people obey the laws prohibiting indiscriminate felling of trees.

“ Nigerians disrespect laws prohibiting indiscriminate felling of trees, which has led us to where we are today.

“We must cultivate the habit of planting trees, especially economic trees like mango, cashew, orange and others, not just for the environment but for our health.

“Trees help to reduce ozone levels in urban areas and reduce rural run-off and erosion by storing water and breaking the force of rain as it falls,’’ he said.

Olusegun, who is also the Chief Town Planning Officer of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), also decried the incessant disregard for tree-planting as part of Abuja housing plans.

He advised Nigerians to plant trees in their environments that would provide the needed cover and supply oxygen for healthy living.

He said that FCDA would not welcome any attempt to build houses in Abuja without planting trees.

According to him, planting of trees gives aerial beauty to the environment and landscape.