Ogun Forestry Ministry Generates over N230m IGR In One Year


...Reels Out Ministry Achievements 

The Ogun State Ministry of Forestry has realized over two hundred and thirty million as internally generated revenue (IGR) in the last one year. 

The Commissioner for Forestry, Engr Oludotun Taiwo disclosed this in an interview with journalists at his Okemosan office in Abeokuta, the state capital. 

Engr. Oludotun revealed that, the Ministry under the leadership of Prince Dapo Abiodun between May 2022 till April 2023 has recorded unprecedented achievements raging from maintenance of the State’s nine forest reserves sustainably to position the State in good standing in the comity of timber producing States in Nigeria.

The Ministry, according to the Commissioner has also in a bid to improve forest monitoring and protection, procured 5nos of new motorcycles and also refurbished 2 Tractors, 4 patrol vehicles as well as 15 motorcycles.

Oludotun hinted that the Forestry Ministry is currently  raising 150,000 Seedlings to establish 120ha of plantation in 2023 and 80,000 indigenous tree seedlings received from FRIN to establish additional 66ha and planting at the Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport site at Iperu.

According to him "Within the period one year, over N230m was generated as Revenue to the State’s coffers, in addition to the above, the Ministry is currently working on the involvement of Multinational, Large, Medium and Small Scale Industries in the State in plantation establishment. This is to ameliorate the effect of the atmospheric carbon that is being released into the atmosphere by their production plants."

While speaking on forest monitoring techniques through intensified patrol and protection activities in the State’s Forest Estates, Oludotun said "Between the period under review, over 20 illegal perpetrators have been apprehended and the illegally carted logs and flitches recovered.

"In addition, over N20m was realized from fines imposed on some of those apprehended. This effort has greatly reduced illegal tree felling in the State’s nine Forest Reserves by 60%.

"In a bid to improve forest monitoring and protection, the Ministry procured 5nos of new motorcycles and also refurbished 2 Tractors, 4 patrol vehicles as well as 15 motorcycles."

He explained further that the Ministry has collaborated with Corporate bodies on the establishment of tree plantations using the PPP approach with concession agreements signed, adding that about ten indigenous SME’s are currently in the radar of this programme.

"Reclamation of over 5,000Ha of encroached land within the State’s Forest Reserves specifically in Eggua and Ilaro Forest Reserves."

"Procurement of different units of horticultural tools to establish fruit orchard and horticultural seedlings for revenue generation."

"Procurement of essential operational tools for the Forestry Extension Unit to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Unit in attending to its assignments across the State." 

"Maintenance of the State’s nine forest reserves sustainably to position the State in good standing in the comity of timber producing States in Nigeria."

"Drastic reduction of encroachment within the Forest Reserves through the enactment of policies and regulations."

"Presently raising 150,000 Seedlings to establish 120ha of plantation in 2023 and 80,000 indigenous tree seedlings received from FRIN to establish additional 66ha and planting at the Ogun Agro-Cargo Airport site at Iperu."

"Secured the approval of Global Environment Facility (GEF) Project – Conservation of Biodiversity and Sustainable use of a low-land forest mosaic landscape in Ogun, Edo, Delta and Ondo States. This project will guarantee ecosystem restoration and sustainability, climate mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, improved livelihood and food security."

"Secured the approval to establish Wildlife Sanctuary at Itasin Community in Ogun East Senatorial District of the State. This project will cover a total land area of 4,000ha and will aid ecotourism", Oludotun concluded.

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