Forum launches Eko Green Dream Initiative, set to plant 6,000 trees

By Kingsley Adegboye

A sensitization programme to prevent over use of land for physical development at the expense of  provision for green areas in the suburban parts of Lagos State was launched last week.

Tagged “Eko Green Dream Initiative”, the launch, which heralded  the take off of the project was put together by a non-governmental organization, NGO in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment.

The speakers – Professor Olaniyi Okedele, of the Department of Architecture and Urban Design, University of Lagos,  President of Society of Landscape Architects of Nigeria, SLAN, Dr. Tunji Adejumo, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu provided ideas on how the initiative would not only succeed, but also remain sustained.

The initiator of the Eko Green Dream Initiative, Mrs. Fadera Williams, said her team has identified three local government areas where 6000 trees are to be planted. The identified local governments are Kosofe, where 27 streets were identified; Ikotun-Igando, 16 streets and Isolo where 18 streets were also picked.

“Although, the ultimate goal is how to prevent the suburbs from being over used for physical development to the detriment of environmental protection, especially, tree planting and open space,  we want to quickly seize the opportunity available in the identified three local governments before we carry the campaign to the suburbs that include Epe, Ibeju Lekki, Badagy, among others”, Williams said,  adding that almost 250 volunteers have been recruited for the exercise.

For residential tree planting to attract residents, she said the organization has introduced what she called “Eko Green Card.” The green card involves getting gifts from some manufacturing organisations for a number of trees planted by an individual – landlord, tenants or corporate organisation.

The essence of the card, according to her, is to motivate people to key into the vision of tree planting and protection of the existing ones.

Erelu Dosunmu, while appreciating the initiative, praised Governor Babatunde Fashola for the  ongoing   beautification projects in the state.