Bayelsans Urged To Plant Trees In Curbing Climate Change – Dr. Okolo

By Philip Eke,Yenagoa

 

 The importance of tree planting in societal development has been stressed by Chief Dr. Bartholomew Okolo.  The Chief Executive Director, Trees for Tomorrow Initiative.  He said great number of fruits of indigenous trees species are used for various reasons, such as medicine, fruits, use of cosmetics and lubricants by companies.

 

Chief Dr. Bartholomew Okolo

Okolo stressed that trees attract water, gives shades for relaxation.  Over the years, “we have seen great potential for developing valuable projects in planting trees, but the political will was not there by government at all levels and the citizens.

He further said, planting trees, especially, economic trees, notably, ogbono, mango, palm trees is one approach to address soil erosion, topsoil quality and over growth of weeds and grass that lead to wildfire.

While calling on all government at all levels states and the various local government areas to seriously advocate the planting of trees as a new government policy in curbing climate change.

He equally disclosed that, his non-governmental organization Trees for Tomorrow initiative Bayelsa State, aimed at planting millions of trees in a short period in Bayelsa State and the country’s forest cover and the environment.

The Executive Director and founder of the NGO recalled that recently, the NGO planted several trees along Adagbabiri highway, in Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, in which the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Environment, Hon. Ben Ololo was in attendance during the epoch-making event, with several stakeholders, while underlying the importance, trees also, offer invaluable bio-diversity support. They provide essential habitats for extensive array of plant and animal species productive agricultural landscapes, usually include forest trees for both economic and ecological reasons, stressing that urgent attention need to be done in reviving our rich forest reserves as several lumbering companies are deforesting our God-given resources without no alternatives for Aforestation.

Dr. Okolo equally asserted that the NGO advocacy of tree planting in Bayelsa State, many residents are not favourably disposed to tree planting, except for food and economic gain, “there should be need for re-orientation, the benefits are enormous, which can earn millions of naira, especially, planting palm trees, which can give great employment opportunity for our teeming youths in Bayelsa State, since the white collar jobs are scarce in existence”.

He also called on the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, for implementation of the amendment of Bayelsa State forestry law, the amendment has been overdue, after a committee set up and report submitted, but all availed till date.

He equally noted emphatically that forest officers should be appointed in all the Local Government Areas in Bayelsa State without compromising with dealers.

Tree planting, raises Gross Domestic product of a country income, while recalling the history of Malaysians palm plantation project, which potentially, generating great revenue to the country, and employed millions for their citizens, “we are so endowed with fertile land in Bayelsa State and several hybrid species of palm seedlings are in existence, few years maturity for harvesting”.