Irewolede Plank Sellers Mark 10th Anniversary, Commissioner Tasks Association On Tree Planting
ABEOKUTA – The Ogun State Government has urged plank sellers and woodworkers across the state to embrace tree planting as part of efforts to promote afforestation, protect the environment and preserve forest reserves.
The State Commissioner for Forestry, Hon. Taiwo Oludotun, made the call at the 10th anniversary celebration of the Irewolede Plank Sellers and Woodworkers Association, held in Abeokuta.
Oludotun disclosed that the administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun had planted about five million trees, while the state’s nine forest reserves were now fully functional.
He urged stakeholders in the wood business to partner with the government by sourcing timber from the forest reserves and complementing such efforts with tree planting to ensure environmental sustainability.
Other stakeholders at the event also called on plank sellers and woodworkers to embrace technology to improve their operations while reducing the environmental impact of their activities.
They further encouraged younger people to develop the habit of protecting nature, stressing that sustainable forestry was essential to achieving a healthier environment and a better future.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman of the Irewolede Plank Sellers and Woodworkers Association, Mr Gbemisola Adenekan, said the anniversary was not merely a celebration of 10 years of existence, but also a celebration of the association’s unity, resilience, hard work, enterprise and collective spirit.
Adenekan said the association had, over the years, coordinated the affairs of plank sellers and woodworkers operating at Sawmill, Lafenwa, Abeokuta, while promoting the welfare, peaceful coexistence and economic interests of its members.
He commended the Ogun State Government for its continued efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses, artisans and other productive sectors of the economy.
“Our members can only thrive when there is peace, security and an environment that supports legitimate economic activities,” Adenekan said.
While commending past and present executives of the association for their contributions, Adenekan also lauded the Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Student Affairs, Adeyemi Azeez, for his dedication, sacrifices and commitment to the growth of the association.
He said the theme of the anniversary, “The Future of Wood: Securing Livelihoods, Advancing Agriculture, Preserving Culture, Promoting Health and Driving Modernisation,” underscored the need for responsibility, innovation and collaboration within the industry.
“As we celebrate our past, we must also prepare ourselves for a more sustainable, modern and prosperous future.
“As Chairman, I assure you that we remain committed to building an association that protects the interests of its members, promotes unity and contributes meaningfully to the development of our community and Ogun State,” Adenekan said.
