Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation in Osun State, has called for the support of communities in the Ago Owu forest reserves to ensure the success of the Ago-Owu Forest Restoration Project (AFRP). Adejoorin, represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mr. Richard Oyegbami, emphasized the importance of community cooperation in gathering baseline information necessary for the project’s development document, project information note, and memorandum of understanding (MOU).
At the engagement workshop with the landlord community, Adejoorin highlighted the workshop’s goal of collecting socio-economic data relevant to the project. He underscored the need for community input to accurately reflect their perceptions and expectations of the Osun Carbon Investment Project, also known as the Ago-Owu Forest Restoration Project (AFRP).
Adejoorin stressed that embracing climate change policies and tree planting initiatives would result in a cleaner environment and protect residents from harmful gases. He pointed out that these environmental policies would have long-term benefits for the communities involved.
Mr. Segun Ademuwagun, the Group CEO of Noblesse Green Energy (NGE) and the Nigerian partner of aDryada, represented the investors at the workshop. He outlined the project’s advantages, noting that Osun State’s natural resources and business-friendly environment make it an attractive destination for investors. Ademuwagun encouraged community members to support the state government’s policies, highlighting that the AFRP would bring significant positive impacts, including improved living conditions and economic opportunities.
Hon. Folorunso Ogundare, Chairman of the Osun House Committee on Environment, urged community members to collaborate with the government in protecting newly planted trees. He emphasized that the success of the project would lead to increased job opportunities and overall community benefits.
The AFRP aims to restore the Ago-Owu forest reserves through extensive tree planting and sustainable forest management practices. By involving local communities in data gathering and project implementation, the initiative seeks to ensure that the project’s benefits are equitably distributed and that the communities are active participants in environmental conservation.
The workshop also provided a platform for community members to voice their concerns and suggestions, ensuring that their perspectives are incorporated into the project’s framework. This inclusive approach aims to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility among the residents, thereby enhancing the project’s sustainability and long-term success.
The Ago-Owu Forest Restoration Project is part of a broader effort by the Osun State government to combat climate change, promote environmental sustainability, and enhance the quality of life for its residents. Through strategic partnerships with private investors and active community engagement, the project seeks to create a resilient and thriving ecosystem that supports both human and environmental health.
