By: Ajibade Morakinyo
Towards tackling the menace of flooding, depletion of the ozone layer and providing a healthy environment , the Rotary Club of Ikeja South, District 9110, has held its 2019 Tree Planting Programme.
The well- attended event which had its theme as Going Green Is Our Dream was held at the Special Correctional Center for Boys, Oregun, Lagos and had Past President Azuh Arinze, Publisher of Yes International Magazine as Compere.
In his welcome address, President, Rotary Club of Ikeja South, Rtn Michael Effiong stated that the club decided to key into the tree planting programme initiated by the Lagos State Government and Rotary International District 9110 because of the tremendous advantage of trees to the environment.
He noted that planting trees help reduce the effects of erosion on the environment and make the air fresher, that is apart from providing good shade.
CDA, Alausa Ismaila Adepitan, PRO, CDA, Alausa
“We held this project to ensure that we contribute our quota to creating a better environment. Trees help release more oxygen into the air which is good for us while absorbing carbodioxide that humans breathe out, which means it is a win, win situation”.
While making a presentation on the advantages of Tree Planting , Miss Adebimpe Afinowi, a member of the Tree Planning & Maintenance Unit, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency disclosed that trees are in better position to help tackle the problem of global warming, climate change, heat wave and many other thibgs that ruin the environment.
“The cheapest form to mitigate climate CHANGE is to plant trees, and they can be done at any time. We can plant trees to.commemorate occassions such as Even naming, wedding or birthday. Which means we need not wait for Tree Plant Day to play trees.
She stated further “Trees will help reform the ozone layer in the atmosphere that have been destroyed by green house gasses and other fossil fuels while shielding us from ultraviolet rays.
She also also added that trees when well planted on a property and it’s surroundings increases the value of the property by at least 15 per cent.
She stated that there are different species for different locations and soil types and therefore this should be put into consideration when planting the trees.
The school Principal, Mr. Salau Abolaji, expressed gratitude to the club for choosing the school as host of the club’s tree planting exercise.
In his words”there are many correctional schools in Lagos state, therefore we thank you most sincerely for choosing our facility for this programme. It is a great privilege that we would not take for granted because the trees will benefit the students and the wards.
In his remarks, District Governor Nominee, Rtn. Remi Bello, buttressed the point that tree planting was good for the environment and it was a partnership between Lagos State Government and Rotary District 9110.
After his speech, the senior Rotarian, Rtn James and Rtn Barth Ufoegbunam the presented assorted drugs and medications to the Centre. The items were donated by the Club with the support of Gracevalley Medical Centre, Isolo
The event was attended by Olu of Oregun, who was represented by Jagunmolu of Oregun, Chief Oluwafemi Bakare; Chairman, Community Development Association ( CDA), Alausa, Mr. Lukman Dopemu, his PRO, Mr. Ismaila Adepitan, & Financial secretary, Mr. Sylvester Osolase; LASPARK team; countless rotarians and members of the public.
