Ogun Proposes Laws To Regulate Activities In Forest Reserves

Ogun State Government is proposing a draft bill to the  State House of Assembly to regulate activities in the government's forest reserves.

The State Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Tunji Akinosi disclosed this in Abeokuta during an interview with newsmen , as part of the event marking 2022 World Forest Day with the theme "Forests and Sustainable Production and Consumption"

He  assured  that the draft would be represented to the Assembly when all necessary amendments had been made for its passage into law.

The Commissioner said though the draft had earlier been forwarded to the Assembly, but was withdrawn due to the advice of the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who opined that there were clauses contained in it which if implemented might not serve as punitive measures to offenders.

"The Ministry is currently working on a draft to be forwarded to the State House of Assembly to checkmate the excesses of illegal activities in the forest reserves. Once we are through, the same document will be sent to the Assembly for passage into law", he said.

The Commissioner while speaking on the relevance of the Day, said it would increase awareness about the unprecedented roles forests play in sustaining lives on the planet, and an avenue to reflect on ways to curb illegalities, particularly on tree felling, log conversion, hunting, and farming in the State-owned Forest Reserves.

Hon. Akinosi noted that forests were the major source of wealth for human beings, through the provision of raw materials for construction and scientific research, natural habitat and shelter for animals, as well as food for man, adding that if well harnessed would mitigate the effects of climate change.

He enjoined members of the public to take advantage of forestry opportunities in the sustenance of livelihood.

Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Forestry, Mr. Tunde Taiwo, called for proper maintenance of forests in order to prevent erosion, global warming, and other natural disasters.

Earlier in his speech, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Lateef Benson advised people to cultivate the habit of preserving the forest reserves to prevent depletion of Ozone layers and other natural disasters, as well as ensure replant of trees appropriately.