Lafarge Africa Plc has teamed up with the Ogun State Government to plant one million trees across the state’s 20 local government areas, marking the 2025 edition of Ogun Tree Planting Day. The large-scale exercise also featured the beautification of the second entrance to the Ogun State Secretariat at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Ogun Tree Planting Day, observed annually on the second Saturday of August, is an environmental sustainability initiative aimed at promoting afforestation and combating the effects of climate change. The 2025 theme, “Grow Trees, Sustain Life”, reflects the state’s ambition to boost its green cover while addressing environmental degradation.
Speaking at the event, Lafarge Africa’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi represented by Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships, Gabriel Pollyn said the project aligns with the company’s decarbonisation strategy and quarry rehabilitation programme.
“Tree planting remains one of the most impactful solutions to climate change, delivering measurable benefits to the environment and society. At Lafarge Africa, each sapling is a living investment in our environment, our economy, and the well-being of future generations. Our collaboration with Ogun State demonstrates our commitment to building a greener, more resilient Nigeria,” Pollyn said.
He further announced Lafarge Africa’s plan to plant 150,000 native tree species in Ogun and Oyo States over the next five years as part of its broader sustainability agenda.
Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, stressed the urgency of climate action, noting the state has been experiencing longer dry seasons, flooding, and rising temperatures all of which threaten agriculture, livestock, and public health.
“We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope, health, and the future of our state,” Oludotun remarked. “These threats are no longer distant they are here. Local problems require local solutions, and planting trees is one of the simplest yet most effective measures we can take.”
Beyond the ceremonial planting, Lafarge Africa reaffirmed its commitment to supporting local communities in caring for the seedlings, ensuring high survival rates and long-term ecological impact.
The benefits of the project are expected to extend beyond environmental restoration. By reducing carbon emissions, preventing soil erosion, improving biodiversity, and enhancing water retention, the initiative will also create cleaner air, cooler urban areas, and healthier living conditions.
This year’s Tree Planting Day underscores the power of public–private partnerships in driving meaningful environmental change. Through combined efforts, Ogun State and Lafarge Africa are not only replenishing tree cover but also building resilience against climate challenges that are increasingly affecting local communities.
The one-million-tree goal stands as both a practical and symbolic milestone demonstrating how committed action today can shape a more sustainable tomorrow for Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole.
