Lafarge Africa Plc has joined forces with the Ogun State Government. To plant one million trees across 20 local government areas, marking the 2025 edition of Ogun Tree Planting Day. The initiative also featured the beautification of the second entrance to the Ogun State Secretariat in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Ogun Tree Planting Day, celebrated every second Saturday in August, promotes environmental sustainability through afforestation. This year’s theme, “Grow Trees, Sustain Life,” centered on a large-scale planting exercise to combat climate change and restore green spaces.
Speaking at the event, Lafarge Africa’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi represented by Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships, Gabriel Pollyn. Stressed that the project aligns with the company’s decarbonisation strategy and quarry rehabilitation programs. He explained that tree planting remains a proven method to mitigate climate change, improve biodiversity, and support community livelihoods.
“At Lafarge Africa, each seedling is a living investment in our environment, economy, and the well-being of future generations,” Alade-Akinyemi noted. “This partnership reflects our commitment to building a greener, more resilient Nigeria. Over the next five years, we plan to plant 150,000 native trees in Ogun and Oyo States.”
Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, underscored the urgency of local action, citing prolonged dry seasons, flooding, and rising temperatures that threaten agriculture, livestock, and public health.
“We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope, health, and the future of our state,” Oludotun said. “These environmental challenges require local solutions, and tree planting is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools we have.”
Beyond the ceremonial planting, Lafarge Africa reaffirmed its commitment to working with communities to nurture seedlings. Ensuring high survival rates and long-term ecological benefits.
With this initiative, Ogun State and Lafarge Africa are taking a decisive step toward combating climate change and fostering sustainable development.
