Ikeja Local Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental sustainability by participating in the 2026 Lagos State Tree Planting Day, held under the theme “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility.”
The event, held at the Under Bridge opposite the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, brought together government officials, environmental experts, community leaders and residents to promote tree planting as a vital tool for combating climate change and creating a healthier environment.
Leading the Council’s delegation was the Executive Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda, alongside the Vice Chairman, Hon. Abisola Omisore, Secretary to the Local Government, Prince Adeyinka Illo, Leader of the Legislative Arm, Hon. Rasheed Ogunseye, Council Manager, Mrs. Juliannah Odubeko Taiwo, Majority Leader, Hon. Ganiyu Lawal, Supervisors, Special Advisers and members of the management team.
Also present were officials from the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Community Development Committee (CDC), Iyaloja General and other stakeholders.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Deputy Director of the Ministry of the Environment, Mrs. Adedayo Aderonke, described Tree Planting Day as a strategic initiative to encourage afforestation, combat deforestation and address environmental challenges such as flooding, erosion, rising temperatures and pollution.
She noted that planting trees improves air quality, conserves biodiversity, prevents soil erosion, beautifies communities and helps mitigate the effects of climate change. She urged residents to plant and nurture trees, stressing that collective action is essential to securing a greener Lagos for future generations.
Speaking on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Deputy Director of LASPARK, Mrs. Idowu Adebisi Tolulope, described this year’s theme as a reminder that protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility.
She highlighted the critical role of trees in reducing urban heat, improving air quality, managing stormwater, preserving biodiversity and promoting public health, while commending LASPARK and its partners for their sustained efforts in greening Lagos.
The Head of Department, Environment (Sanitation), Mrs. Olatunde Omotayo, also emphasized the importance of tree planting in creating healthier and more resilient communities, encouraging residents to make tree planting a civic responsibility.
In his keynote address, the Executive Chairman, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda, who represented Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability through continuous tree planting and conservation.
Quoting renowned environmentalist Wangari Maathai, the Chairman said genuine environmental protection requires action and collective commitment, describing the annual Tree Planting Day as a demonstration of Lagos State’s determination to build a greener, healthier and climate-resilient city.
He commended LASPARK for driving the State’s greening agenda and called on residents, schools, markets, religious organisations, communities and private establishments to actively plant and nurture trees.
The Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Edward Aragbonfoh, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating all participants and stakeholders for supporting the initiative and urging residents to sustain the culture of environmental responsibility.
The event concluded with a symbolic tree planting exercise led by the Executive Chairman alongside government officials and stakeholders, reaffirming Ikeja Local Government’s commitment to building a greener, healthier and more sustainable environment for present and future generations.
