By Ozioruva Aliu, BENIN CITY

THE governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Friday described trees as essential to life, and not just symbols of life and that planting and allowing them to flourish was a way of cushioning climate change.

The governor stated this when he performed a symbolic planting of a tree to mark the 2026 World Environment Day.

Represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, the governor, said the day was marked as part of an effort to deepen global awareness on the significance of trees to environmental health and safety.

In a statement by Idahosa’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, the governor noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Urbanization and Climate Change” is both timely and urgent.

He reaffirmed his administration commitment to climate change resilience through tree planting.

“Trees are not just symbols of life, they are essential to life. They help purify the air, provide shade, reduce erosion, absorb carbon dioxide, support biodiversity, and improve the beauty of our communities.

“The theme for this year speaks directly to one of the greatest environmental and developmental challenges of our time.

“As our cities grow and urban populations increase, we must ensure that development does not come at the expense of the environment or the wellbeing of our people.

“We are all witnesses to the effects of climate change across the world.

“Rising global temperatures driven largely by greenhouse gas emissions that trap solar heat in the atmosphere are causing serious consequences. These include rising sea levels, wildfires, heat waves, changing weather patterns.

“The warning from the global scientific community is clear, unless we act decisively, the world may soon exceed the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius warming, with devastating effects on ecosystems, livelihoods, and human survival,” he stated.

Okpebholo asserted that the World Environment Day is not just merely ceremonial, adding that it is a call to responsibility.

According to him, It is a reminder that every level of government, every institution, every community, and every individual, has a role to play in building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future.”

He commended stakeholders in the environment sector, calling on the residents to adopt environmentally responsible habits in their daily lives.

“Let us keep our surroundings clean, plant more trees, reduce waste, protect our waterways, conserve energy, and support policies that promote sustainable urban development.

“Protecting the environment is not the responsibility of the government alone; it is a shared duty that requires our collective action.”

The Commisioner, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Hon. Nosa Adam stated that the tree planting ceremony is a commitment by the government to the Green initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu which places relevance on tree regeneration and reforestation.

“Today’s tree planting event is symbolic, important and strategic as it falls under the United Nations directive for countries to rejuvenate their forests, turning cities to green city’s based on the fact that the greener the city, the more your carbon credits.

“It shows the Edo state government’s commitment to turning the Benin metropolis into a greener and cleaner city.”

Edo State Chief Judge, Justice Daniel Okungbowa, represented by Justice Idemudia Aziegbemhin, said, “We should not denigrate or damage our environment. The town planning law of Edo State should be executed.

“You see houses built on areas they ought not to have built. That aspect should be looked into. The Judiciary is ready to assist the state government to deal with recalcitrant people that are destroying our environment.”