By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Lagos—Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday decried increasing rate of tree felling by residents, saying it was inimical to achieving targeted 10 million trees by year 2020.

Ambode spoke at the commemoration of the year 2016 Tree Planting Day, with the theme: “Lend a hand to save trees,” organized by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency, LASPARK.

The event was held across the state with representatives of government performing the ceremonial tree planting.

The governor cautioned residents to desist from indiscriminate and uncontrolled felling of trees, just as he harped on the benefits of tree planting to healthy environment.

According to him: “It is a known fact that the destruction of trees and other woodlands is on the steady increase and according to the state Ministry of Agriculture, our forest covers stands at less than three percent against the recommended 10 percent of the landmass. Today’s, human infrastructural activities are threatening the survival, hence, the theme Lend a hand to save trees. We are therefore, soliciting that, irrespective of human needs for survival, we must ensure that our environmental degradation is minimized so that we can jointly protect the environment. I am pleased to know that over six million trees planted, were progressively moving towards achieving the target of planting a total of 10 million trees by year 2020.”