Ogun State Government on Saturday said it had planted about five million trees across the state and restored operations at its nine forest reserves as part of efforts to combat deforestation, protect biodiversity and promote sustainable management of timber resources.

The state’s Commissioner for Forestry, Taiwo Oludotun, disclosed this at the 10th anniversary of the Irewolede Plank Sellers and Wood Workers Association in Ogun State, urging timber merchants, plank sellers and woodworkers to support tree planting and responsible harvesting, according to a statement shared with our correspondent.

Oludotun called on stakeholders in the wood industry to partner with the government by sourcing timber from designated forest reserves and planting replacement trees for those harvested.

He stressed that “sustainable forestry was essential to preserving the environment and ensuring the continued availability of timber for future generations.”

The commissioner’s appeal highlights the importance of balancing the economic benefits of the timber industry with the need to conserve forests, which provide livelihoods, protect biodiversity, help regulate the climate and reduce soil erosion.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation’s Global Forest Resources Assessment 2025 reported that global deforestation averaged 10.9 million hectares annually between 2015 and 2025, down from 17.6 million hectares per year between 1990 and 2000. The report, however, noted that forests remained under pressure worldwide.

Against this backdrop, environmental conservation efforts increasingly emphasise not only tree planting but also the sustainable management of existing forests, enforcement of forestry regulations and the involvement of communities and businesses that depend on timber.

Other stakeholders at the anniversary urged plank sellers and woodworkers to adopt modern technology to improve their operations and minimise their impact on the environment.

They also called on young people to cultivate habits that promote environmental protection, stressing that responsible management of forest resources was critical to building a healthier and more sustainable future.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Irewolede Plank Sellers and Wood Workers Association, Gbemisola Adenekan, said the 10th anniversary was not merely a celebration of the association’s existence but a reflection of its unity, resilience, hard work, enterprise and collective spirit.

Adenekan said the association had, over the years, coordinated the affairs of plank sellers and woodworkers operating at Sawmill, Lafenwa, Abeokuta, while promoting the welfare, peaceful coexistence and economic interests of its members.

He commended the Ogun State Government for its continued efforts to create an enabling environment for businesses, artisans and other productive sectors of the economy.

“Our members can only thrive when there is peace, security and an environment that supports legitimate economic activities,” he said.

Speaking on the anniversary theme, “The Future of Wood: Securing Livelihoods, Advancing Agriculture, Preserving Culture, Promoting Health and Driving Modernisation,” Adenekan said the future of the wood industry required greater responsibility, innovation and collaboration.

He also commended past and present executives of the association for their contributions to its growth, while acknowledging the Special Assistant to the Ogun State Governor on Student Affairs, Adeyemi Azeez, for his dedication and commitment to the association.

The chairman reaffirmed the association’s commitment to protecting members’ interests, promoting unity and contributing to community development and the economic growth of Ogun State.