Last Updated on June 30, 2025 by Olasunkanmi Olajide
…As Alumni Association Flags Off Planting of 100,000 Economic Trees
By Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has reaffirmed its strong commitment to environmental protection and sustainability by planting an additional 1,000 economic tree seedlings on campus, marking the commencement of a larger initiative to plant 100,000 trees.
The tree planting campaign, championed by the FUNAAB Alumni Association, was part of a strategic effort to combat deforestation, promote climate resilience, and improve the University’s green landscape. The seedlings were generously donated by Alhaji Rasak Oso, Deputy Director, Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, and Mr. Ayopo Somefun, a dedicated alumnus of the University, in honour of Alhaja Omobolanle Oso’s golden jubilee celebration.
Speaking at the symbolic ceremony held on June 27, 2025, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, Odundun IV, Asoludero, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji Land represented by a Federal Government appointee to the Governing Council, Rt. Hon. Ayo Agbonmuserin emphasised the critical need for reforestation in Nigeria. He cautioned that if urgent steps were not taken to replace felled trees, the country may be forced to import trees within the next 15 years.
The Pro-Chancellor highlighted several benefits of tree planting, including erosion and flood control, income generation, enhanced air and water quality, shelter provision, and support for wildlife and biodiversity. He also called on FUNAAB alumni to continually contribute to the development of their alma mater through sustainable initiatives.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, expressed appreciation to the Alumni Association for their active support. He noted that FUNAAB, endowed with 10,200 hectares of land and operating as a land-grant institution, remained committed to sustaining the tree-planting project and ensuring its long-term success.
The Honourable Commissioner for Forestry in Ogun State, Hon. Oludotun Taiwo, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Adekunle Oyesanwen, commended the University and the Alumni Association for leading by example in promoting environmental conservation. He stressed the importance of afforestation as a vital tool in addressing the growing impact of climate change. He, however, donated 1,000 teak seedlings to the University on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner.
Earlier, in his Welcome Address, the Global President of the FUNAAB Alumni Association, Mr. Bolaji Gbadamosi, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the University Management and all donors for supporting the vision. He announced that the tree planting exercise has begun along the University’s Ring Road and pledged the Association’s continued collaboration with the University to ensure proper management and sustainability of the planted trees.
Photos are attached below 👇
Credit: Tofunmi Adebayo
