Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturer of a range of cement brands, partnered with the Ogun State Government to commemorate Ogun Tree Planting Day 2025 by embarking on a large-scale tree planting exercise and beautification of the second entrance of the Ogun State Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Saturday, August 9, 2025.
Ogun Tree Planting Day 2025, observed every second Saturday of August, is an initiative of the Ogun State Government to promote environmental sustainability through afforestation. The 2025 edition, themed “Grow Trees, Sustain Life,” focused on planting one million trees across 20 local government areas in the state.
According to the group managing director/CEO of Lafarge Africa Plc, Lolu Alade-Akinyemi, who was represented by the Head of Sustainability and Sponsorships, Lafarge Africa Plc, Gabriel Pollyn, the exercise aligns with the company’s decarbonisation agenda and quarry rehabilitation efforts.
Alade-Akinyemi noted that Lafarge Africa is committed to tackling climate change, restoring degraded landscapes, and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship within local communities.
“Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to mitigate the impacts of climate change while delivering tangible benefits to the people. At Lafarge Africa, we view every seedling as a living investment in our environment, our economy, and the well-being of future generations. Partnering with Ogun State on this initiative reflects our dedication to creating a greener, more resilient Nigeria. We plan to plant 150,000 native tree species over a five-year period in Ogun and Oyo states,” he said.
In his remarks, the Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Engineer Taiwo Oludotun, highlighted the local impact of climate change, pointing to prolonged dry seasons, flooding, rising temperatures, and the resultant threats to agriculture, livestock, and public health.
“We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope, health, and the future of our state. These are no longer distant threats; they are local problems, and local problems require local solutions. Planting trees is one of the simplest and most powerful actions we can take to preserve our environment,” Oludotun added.
Beyond the ceremonial planting, Lafarge Africa has reiterated that it will continue working with local communities to nurture the seedlings, ensuring their survival and long-term contribution to the ecosystem.
