In its bid to revive and standardize Osun Forest Reserves, the state government of Osun has released over ₦16m for the purchase of seedlings and other farm implements for the permanent nursery sites.
The commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Hon. Sola Oladepo made this known while inspecting nursery implements at the Ministry premises.
Hon. Oladepo maintained that forest reserve areas are germane to the present administration, saying Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has directed the raising of 250,000 trees seedlings in the six zones of the state so as to increase forest coverage in the State.
He explained that “this will make the permanent forestry nursery sites functional, stressing that both exotic and indigenous seedling species will be planted for economic value”.
According to a statement signed by the Press Officer of the ministry, Toyin Adeoye, the Commissioner listed the six forest reserves areas to include Shasha Forest Reserve Ile-Ife, Ipetu-Ikeji Forest Reserve at Owena, Ago-Owu Forest Reserve at Ayedaade, Ila and Oba Hill Forest Reserve as well as the Forestry Reserve Headquarters at Abeere.
The statement added that the nursery implements purchased are wheelbarrows, plastic tanks, hose pipes, raincoats and shovels among others.