The Ekiti State Forestry Commission, under the leadership of Executive Secretary Otunba Adekunle Sunday David, hosted an impressive celebration for the International Day of Forests 2025. The event, themed “Forests and Food,” took place at the Commission’s office in Ado-Ekiti and was attended by notable dignitaries and representatives from various sectors.
In her address, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, the Head of Service representing the Ekiti State Governor, expressed her gratitude for being part of this significant occasion. She acknowledged the global importance of forests, emphasizing their crucial role in sustaining life on Earth and their myriad benefits, including biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
Among the attendees were Rt. Hon. Taiwo Franklin Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Information, and Mr. Ojo Babatope, Permanent Secretary of Agriculture and Food Security. Hon. Oladele Ogunsakin, Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, also addressed the gathering, commending the state’s efforts in sustainable forestry practices. He praised Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s six-pillar agenda aimed at transforming Ekiti State and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for its citizens.
Several non-governmental organizations advocating for restoration and sustainable forest management, including GADEF and TGED, also attended the event, reinforcing the call for collective action in safeguarding forest resources.
In his closing remarks, Otunba Adekunle Sunday David expressed appreciation for the governor’s unwavering support towards the Commission’s initiatives. He highlighted the importance of forests as essential resources for both the environment and revenue generation for the state.
As part of the celebration, the Governor presented trees to invited secondary schools, including Christ School, Ado Muslim College, St. Augustine Oye-Ekiti, and SUBEB Nursery and Primary School, Ado-Ekiti, fostering a spirit of environmental stewardship among the youth.
