IKEJA LG TO PLANT 1,000 TREES IN PUSH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
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By: Fasasi Hammad
The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), on Tuesday led the 2026 Lagos State Tree Planting Day exercise in Ikeja, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability with a pledge to plant 1,000 trees across public spaces within the council area.
The event, held at the frontage of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, was part of the statewide tree-planting campaign organised by the Lagos State Government under the theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility.”
Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, AKOD delivered the governor’s keynote address, which urged residents to move beyond discussions on climate change and embrace practical environmental action through tree planting and conservation.
Quoting the late Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, the governor stressed the importance of action, noting that meaningful environmental change begins with planting and nurturing trees.
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Sanwo-Olu said Lagos was demonstrating its commitment to environmental protection through deliberate efforts to restore and expand its green spaces.
According to him, rapid urbanisation has contributed to rising temperatures, flash floods and environmental degradation, making tree planting one of the most effective and affordable solutions to climate-related challenges.
He noted that trees help cool urban areas, absorb stormwater, improve air quality and create healthier recreational environments, thereby strengthening climate resilience and public health.
The governor emphasised that environmental sustainability requires collective participation from government institutions, traditional rulers, schools, businesses, religious organisations, community groups and individual residents.
He disclosed that Lagos State had set a target of planting 20,000 trees during the current season, revealing that 13,401 trees—about 67 per cent of the target—had already been planted across the state as of June 30, 2026.
Sanwo-Olu added that the campaign would continue across all 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas throughout the rainy season until October to improve survival rates and exceed the state’s target.
He, however, stressed that planting trees alone was insufficient, urging stakeholders to ensure proper care and protection of newly planted trees until maturity.
The governor also encouraged residents to obtain free seedlings from Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) nurseries in Ikorodu and Agege for planting in homes, schools, offices and communities.
Following the address, AKOD joined members of the Ikeja Local Government Executive Council, security agencies, LASPARK officials, representatives of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, lawmakers and other stakeholders in planting 50 trees along key locations within the council area.
Speaking after the exercise, the chairman announced that Ikeja Local Government would exceed the state’s target within its jurisdiction by planting 1,000 trees in strategic public spaces.
He explained that the initiative aligns with the environmental sustainability pillar of the I.K.E.J.A. Agenda, aimed at promoting a cleaner, healthier and climate-resilient environment.
AKOD assured residents that the council would not only plant the trees but also ensure they are properly maintained to maturity, noting that every surviving tree contributes to cleaner air, reduced heat and improved biodiversity.
He called on residents, schools, businesses, community associations and environmental volunteers to support efforts to protect and preserve the newly planted trees.
Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, represented by LASPARK Deputy Director (Geology), Mrs. Idowu Tolulope, described tree planting as a strategic investment in public health, biodiversity conservation and climate resilience.
He commended LASPARK for sustaining the state’s afforestation programme and acknowledged the contributions of private sector organisations, development partners and volunteers toward advancing Lagos State’s environmental sustainability goals.
Wahab also highlighted recent partnerships that produced eco-friendly playgrounds made from recycled materials for public primary schools, describing them as practical examples of sustainable development and circular economy practices.
The 2026 Tree Planting Day was observed simultaneously across all 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in Lagos State as part of efforts to build a greener, cleaner, cooler and more flood-resilient megacity.
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