Ogun to create more forest reserves for improved revenue generation

Determined to aggressively increase its revenue base through afforestation and lumbering, Ogun State government has concluded plans to create more forest reserves, increasing the number of the state-owned forest reserves that currently stand at nine to eleven.

It, however, considers the location of the additional forest reserves in Ijebu-Ode and Ilaro, respectively, which according to the state ministry of forestry, will be established in addition to those located at J1, J2, J3, J4 and J5 in Ogun East; Arakanga and Olokemeji in Ogun Central, as well as Eggua and Ilaro in Ogun West Senatorial District.

Speaking on the proposed establishment of additional state-owned forest reserves, Ayo Olubori, declared government readiness to establish more forest plantations as part of effort to intensify state revenue drive and create dependable afforestation scheme, especially in the communities that do not have government-owned reserves.

Olubori, who made the declaration recently at a forum while addressing stakeholders in the forestry sub-sector at Owode-Egba in Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of the state, however urged communities and relevant stakeholders in the sector to intimate government on the availability of fallow lands in their areas that could be designated as forest reserves.

He said: “I want to assure you that government will appreciate and receive, with open mind, any landed property given to it by any community, town, individuals and groups to further complement the existing ones.”

Though the Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration is committed to monitoring and rejuvenating the existing forest reserves through aggressive afforestation and 24-hours surveillance, it will nevertheless be willing to establish more to boost government revenue and ensure increased activities in the forestry sub-sector, he said.