By Kayode Olopade
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has launched a statewide campaign to plant over 20,000 trees in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen climate resilience, combat environmental degradation and promote sustainable urban development.
Speaking at the 2026 Lagos State Tree Planting Day held at Eko Amore Garden, Lekki, under the theme "Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility," the Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described environmental sustainability as a necessity rather than a choice.
He said rapid urbanisation and climate change require collective action, noting that trees remain one of the most effective nature-based solutions for reducing carbon emissions, lowering urban temperatures, mitigating flooding and improving air quality.
Sanwo-Olu disclosed that 13,401 trees had already been planted across the state's five divisions as of June 30, representing 67 per cent of the annual target, with the remaining trees to be planted before the end of the rainy season.
To institutionalise environmental stewardship, the Governor designated the state's 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas as "Tree Custodians," directing council chairmen to appoint officers to work with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) in nurturing and protecting newly planted trees.
He also inaugurated the "Plant One, Nurture One" campaign and recognised 20 Lagos Tree Champions for their contributions to environmental conservation, while urging residents to obtain free seedlings from LASPARK nurseries in Ikorodu and Agege for planting in homes, schools, offices, markets and places of worship.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, described tree planting as one of the most practical and cost-effective responses to climate change, stressing that every tree planted under the state's afforestation programme is geo-tagged and monitored to ensure survival.
LASPARK General Manager, Mrs. Adetoun Popoola, said the agency has transformed Tree Planting Day into a year-round environmental movement through continuous planting, community engagement and technology-driven monitoring, while reaffirming its commitment to distributing free seedlings to encourage wider public participation.
The event attracted government officials, traditional rulers, corporate organisations, environmental experts, students and community groups, reinforcing Lagos' commitment to building a greener and more climate-resilient megacity.
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