Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on residents to actively participate in tree planting and ensure the survival of planted trees as part of efforts to build a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient state.
The Governor made the call at the 2026 Tree Planting Day celebration held at Eko Amore Gardens in Lekki, where he reiterated the importance of environmental sustainability and nature-based solutions in tackling climate change.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Sanwo-Olu stressed that planting trees alone is not enough, noting that their true value lies in proper nurturing and maintenance to maturity.
He commended the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) for its continued efforts in greening the state and strengthening resilience against climate-related challenges such as flooding and rising temperatures.
According to the Governor, Lagos has planted 13,401 trees, representing 67 per cent of its 20,000-tree target for 2026, with monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure the survival of the trees.
He announced the commencement of a new planting season across the state's 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, with activities expected to continue throughout the rainy season until October.
Sanwo-Olu also charged council chairmen to serve as "Tree Custodians" by working closely with LASPARK to monitor and protect trees within their communities.
As part of the event, the Governor unveiled Lagos Tree Champions, recognising individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the state's greening initiative.
Speaking earlier, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described tree planting as a critical strategy for addressing climate change, improving air quality, reducing flooding and preserving biodiversity.
He noted that all local councils have been designated as Tree Custodians and tasked with nurturing planted trees for at least twelve months to improve survival rates.
The event also featured goodwill messages from stakeholders and the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations recognised for their contributions to environmental sustainability in Lagos.