.jpeg "Together, NCF and Stanbic IBTC bank will plant 30,000 trees.")
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the commencement of the tree planting initiative occurred at the Lekki Conservation Center (LCC) in Lagos.
During his speech at the ceremony, Dr. Joseph Onoja, the Director-General of the NCF, expressed gratitude to Stanbic IBTC bank for their support and faith in the NCF's mission to restore Nigeria's forest cover to 25 percent.
Onoja observed that human activities have had adverse effects on the ecosystem, leading to a retaliatory response from nature, particularly evident along the coastal areas of the Lekki Ajah corridor.
According to his statement, during the course of the last four decades, the NCF has been actively engaged in purposeful endeavors aimed at the preservation of nature, restoration of Nigeria's biodiversity, and the protection of endangered species.
This is the rationale for the establishment of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), a prominent non-governmental organization dedicated to conservation efforts. The NCF was initiated over four decades ago, during a time when discussions on environmental conservation were not widely embraced in Nigeria.
We are now benefiting from the contributions of esteemed individuals who have made significant advancements in their respective fields. Regrettably, we recently mourned the loss of Chief Akintola Williams, a distinguished member of our Board of Trustees.
According to the Director-General, Nigeria has seen significant adverse effects, particularly in relation to the depletion of its forest resources.
The extent of deforestation has reached a critical level, resulting in a reduction of our forest cover to less than 10 percent of what it was at the period of our nation's independence in the 1960s.
The current situation we find ourselves in can be attributed to our historical focus on deforestation and logging practices, without giving due attention to the principles and practices of effective forest management.
Onoja stated that the Green Recovery Nigeria project was conceived with the objective of restoring a minimum of 25 percent of our forest cover.
on conveying his sincere appreciation to the bank, he further emphasized his commitment to promoting the bank's environmentally conscious practices on each public platform he encounters.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Demola Sogunle, the Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic IBTC Holdings, expressed a deep sense of pleasure and gratitude as he initiated the planting of 30,000 trees throughout 10 states in the federation.
According to Sogunle, the program serves as evidence of Stanbic IBTC's steadfast commitment to a sustainable future.
According to his statement, trees possess a significance that surpasses their representation as simply symbols of life. He further emphasized their role as vital organs of our planet, serving as providers of oxygen for our respiration while simultaneously absorbing carbon dioxide.
Furthermore, they serve as protectors of biodiversity, offering refuge and nourishment to countless species.
As a collaborative effort with the NCF, under the framework of the Green Recovery Nigeria initiative, we aim to enhance the collective narrative of vitality by incorporating 30,000 distinct perspectives. These voices will serve as a testament to hope, resilience, and the process of rejuvenation.
We have not only engaged in the act of cutting down trees, but also planted the seeds for a more promising future.
Nevertheless, this particular moment surpasses the mere quantity of trees being planted; rather, it encompasses the profound influence that these trees will exert.
The significance of trees lies in their ability to give shade during hot weather, create habitats for avian species, contribute to the nourishment of ecosystems, and sequester carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Sogunle (year) emphasized the educational significance that these entities contribute to our communities, serving as a poignant reminder of the intricate interdependence among all forms of life on our planet.
In addition, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, expressed that the act of tree planting can be regarded as a valuable contribution to the preservation and enhancement of the natural environment.
According to Mr. Olabode Adeola, Deputy Director of Conservation and Ecology at the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, Wahab stated that trees function as carbon sinks, effectively sequestering carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen.
He also stated that they function as the respiratory system of the planet.
According to a report by NAN, a significant aspect of the event involved the ceremonial act of tree planting at the LCC.