The Federal Government on Saturday donated 1,000 seedlings to support the tree planting campaign of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Ogun State chapter.
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr Iziaq Salako, made the announcement in Abeokuta during the 60th anniversary celebration of the NIPR and the unveiling of the Ogun chapter’s Diamond Anniversary Green Park.
Represented by the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, FRIN, Professor Zacharia Yaduma, Salako described the theme for the NIPR Diamond Anniversary, “Green Nigeria,” as appropriate.
He commended members of the professional body for promoting an environmentally conscious nation by incorporating the idea of tree planting into their 60th-anniversary celebration.
The minister called for collective commitment to fostering a sustainable environment in Nigeria, saying the Federal Government requires strong stakeholders’ support to combat the challenges of climate change.
“As we reflect on our journey as a nation, we are reminded of the vital importance of sustainable development. Greener Nigeria is not just a slogan; it is a call to action. It urges us to embrace practices that promote environmental stewardship, to innovate in ways that reduce our carbon footprint, and to invest in the health of our ecosystems,” he said.
Also speaking on the occasion, the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, lauded NIPR for contributing to the wellness and well-being of Nigerian society with its tree planting campaign.
The governor, who was represented by the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, noted that the NIPR was planting for posterity as the trees would outlive the current generation.