Ogun moves to preserve forest reserves, increase revenue

Moved by the mission to preserve forests-based natural resources and other agro-allied produce in the state-owned forest reserves, coupled with resolve to increase the state internally-generated revenue, the Ogun State government has organised training for forest officers working in various forest reserves across the state.

The training for the forest workers, under the state ministry of forestry, according to official statement, was conducted for the forest workers in the ministry, particularly to improve internally-generated revenue and to preserve natural resources and re-generate trees and forest resources.

Speaking at the workshop held in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Monday, tagged: “‎Training for Uniformed Field Staff in the Ministry of Forestry,” Adebayo Fari, commissioner for forestry, disclosed that the workshop was put together, having observed increased destruction of forest resources and financial leakages in the state-owned forest reserves.

Far‎i said the “training ‎is primarily designed to upgrade the professional status of the beneficiaries in order to enhance their efficiency and productivity as regards financial blockage and protection of forest resources,” adding that the training of forest workers would go a long way in boosting state’s economy.

The commissioner, who declared that the state was working towards the achievement of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals on Environmental Sustainability, said the training would also serve as a reminder on the ethics of the forest workers by ensuring strict compliance ‎with the rules and regulations of forestry operations.

He said “apart from policing the forest, your role in revenue generation cannot be overemphasised. Therefore, you must work assiduously to ensure that the revenue target of your stations are met regularly.

“I am delighted to say that this move is the beginning of good things to come in the ministry as other members of staff would also benefit from this type of training very soon. I therefore call on all the participants to make best use of the training by listening attentively and asking questions where necessary.”

Meanwhile, the state ministry of forestry has given out 10 motorcycles to forest guards as part of effort targeted at curbing the illegal operators in the state forest reserves as well as boost their service, urging the beneficiaries to use the motorcycles effectively in patrolling the reserves and bring illegal perpetrators to book.

The commissioner, who gave the motorcycles to the forest guards in Abeokuta, disclosed that the motorcycles were given to the guards in addition to 20 earlier given out to guards in Areas J1, J3, J4 and J6 of Omo Forest Reserves in Ijebu East Local Government Area of the state, where illegal operations were rampant.

“We concentrate efforts on Omo Forest Reserve because this is the area where illegal operations are rampant and there is need to checkmate them and protect our forest reserves,” he said.

Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, one of the forest guards, Jossy David lauded the government for the initiative, saying that it would go a long way in helping them discharge their duties effectively.

RAZAQ AYINLA

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