Wife of former Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo, has asked Nigerians to show more love to nature and celebrate the beauty and fragrance of trees and plants.
She disclosed this in Abuja while speaking at the Abuja Garden Show held at Sarius Palmetum and Botanic Gardens.
The show was organised by the wife of the former Head of State, Mrs Ajoke Murtala Mohammed.
She emphasised the beauty and love that plants bring to our spaces, such as homes, offices, and trees, while advising Nigerians to celebrate their uniqueness using examples from flowers.
Mrs Osinbajo, who spoke poetically, charged Nigerians across ethnic and gender divides to take a moment off their daily activities and schedules to appreciate the beauty of nature by smelling the roses and listening to the plants.
She said nature has unique ways of
communicating through the sound of rustling leaves and the wind whistling through the trees.
Mrs Osinbajo said: “On behalf of Mrs Ajoke Mohammed, the team of workers at the Sarius Palmetum, the members of the organising committee of the Abuja Garden Show, I say a warm welcome to you all, excellencies, distinguished ladies and gentlemen.
“Welcome to the exciting world of plants and trees. Welcome to sights, sounds, smells and sensation (to touch or not to touch) relationship with plants.
“Welcome to the fragrance of flowers, roses, lilies…there is a leaf in the garden when crushed.. it smells like garlic!
“Welcome to the sounds of the birds in the trees, the families of monkeys, birds flapping around the sweet nectar of the flowers. The sound of rustling leaves, of the wind whistling through the tress.. can you hear the sounds?
“Welcome to the sights, colour, patterns, design. Fabulous colour combinations that only nature dares to put together. Sights of new buds, blooming flowers. Tall and stately palms, stout and bushy shrubs.
“Welcome to the life lessons learnt when we tarry around plants. Take a moment to smell the roses, to listen to what the plants say. “he age-old concepts portrayed by nature. Here at the Palmetum and wherever you find plants.
“Lessons? Yes, of seed time and harvest. You sow and harvest exactly what you sow, actually more of it.
“The Sarius Palmetum hosts over 200 species of palms alone. Such diversity, yet all reside together, here. Different, yes, better together. Yes, so are we, all here, also better together.
“Lessons? Welcome to the freedom to express yourself, be your authentic self as you consider some plants flower daily, others annually, some rarely. Some flowers in the rainy season, while others like the desert rose flower in the dry season. That’s how God made them. Unique. What is unique about you? Celebrate your God-given abilities too. Be content to be you, an original, and not a poor copy of another.
“Lessons? Why do some plants have thorns, (so unfriendly). The cactus especially. Consider it is found in the desert, where there is no water. So it stores water, and must protect it from animals that would steal its treasure. So it has sharp long thorns. What treasures have you? Are they protected? Grab a cactus today to remind you to protect your treasures.
“Welcome to beauty and love. Plants to beautify and purify indoor spaces, homes and offices. Trees to shade, feed with fruit, express the seasons.
Flowers express love. They add color and texture to special occasions.,
“ Welcome to the largest gathering of plant and plant based businesses in Abuja. In these three days, here is a harvest of experienced hands and minds in the world of horticulture, gardening, and conservation. Ask them questions, shop, shop, shop.
“ Welcome to the office lawn where outdoor plants are displayed.
Welcome this marquee where indoor plants, pots and accessories can be found.
“Welcome to the food court, drinks and delicious treats and meals.
Welcome to the lover’s walk.. hold hands, laugh, share sweet words with your love and take pictures.”
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