Report on Courtesy Visit to Ekiti State Forestry Commission, Ekiti State Secretariat.

Date: March 14, 2024

Venue: Forestry Office, Ekiti State Secretariat, Ado-Ekiti.

Purpose: Partnership and Collaboration on Environmental Sustainability.

Attendees:

TGED Foundation Team: Ms Oluwaseyi Ebenezer [CEO]

Adeleye Adeola [Program Manager]

Koiki Nimota Adunola [Program Officer]

Forestry Commission Team: Mr Adekunle Sunday David [Executive Secretary]

Mrs Ogunsakin M.M [Director Admin & Supply]

Mrs Babaniyi O.O [Director Finance & Accounts]

Mr Afolabi A.O [Director Wildlife]

Mr Ojo M.O [Director Enforcement & Compliance]

Mr K.M Ojo [Director of Forestry]

Mrs Folaranmi Y.T [Assistant Secretary]

Introduction: Forest plays a crucial role in balancing the ecological system in several ways. They serve as habitats for diverse plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem stability. Collaborating with the Forestry Commission department is essential for leveraging expertise, resources and regulatory frameworks to promote sustainable forest management, biodiversity and environmental stewardship.

 TGED Foundation paid an advocacy visits to Mr. Adekunle Sunday David, the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, Ado-Ekiti. The advocacy visit took place on the on the 14^th of March 2024. The primary objective of this visit was to extend congratulations on his appointment and to reaffirm the longstanding partnership and collaboration between the two organizations.

Key points discussed

During the meeting, the CEO of TGED Foundation Ms. Oluwaseyi Ebenezer introduced her team and provided an overview of the foundation’s mission and activities. She highlighted the previous successful partnerships and collaborations with former secretaries and recounted various programs jointly undertaken. Notable among these were the celebration of International Forest Day Celebration at Buesti University, Ikere Ekiti in the year 2022, and a tree planting event held at All Souls Grammar School, Ado-Ekiti, and Christ School, Ado-Ekiti. The CEO emphasized that organizing such programs in schools is essential because the foundation believes in educating younger generations about pressing environmental issues and the importance of trees in the environment. This education serves as a catalyst for spreading awareness and empowering students to disseminate knowledge to their families, friends and communities. 

The CEO further stressed on the importance of collaboration for the upcoming International Forest Day 2024, scheduled for March 21^st, 2024. She invited input from the agency on proposed activities and areas where the foundation could contribute reaffirming the foundation’s commitment to promoting environmental sustainability through education and partnership.

Mr. Adekunle Sunday David, the Executive secretary, Ekiti State Forestry Commission warmly welcomed the CEO and her team, commending them for their outstanding contributions to achieving a sustainable environment. He proceeded to discuss the proposed plan for the upcoming International Forest Day. In preparation for the event, various items such as banners [measuring 7 by 5 feet], T-shirts, canopies, refreshments and other essential were mentioned. Mr. David elaborated on the program’s itinerary, highlighting that the program will commence from Fajuyi alongside a sensitization speech and culminate at the Ekiti State Secretariat Office where His Excellency, Governor Abiodun Abayomi or his representative alongside other important dignitaries will address the gathering. Seeking collaboration, Mr. David invited the CEO of TGED Foundation to consider how the foundation could contribute to and support the program.  In her response, Ms. Oluwaseyi Ebenezer emphasized the importance of having a formal agreement in place for the foundation to participate in the program.  She expressed reluctance to associate with an initiative where the organization’s contributions might be overlooked, citing a previous experience where the effort of the foundation were not properly acknowledged in the program’s reporting.

In reassurance, Mr. David Sunday assured the CEO that the organization’s effort would be duly recognized and addressed properly throughout the program. To conclude the discussion, the CEO agreed to take up the responsibility for the banner production, demonstrating the foundation’s commitment to supporting the event while ensuring proper acknowledgement of its contributions.

Culmination and Future Prospects:

The cumulative efforts and future prospects outlined during the meeting reflect a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and collaborative action. By building on past relationship, addressing challenges and embracing opportunities, TGED Foundation and Ekiti State Forestry Commission are well positioned to make a meaningful difference in prompting a sustainable environmental for current and generations.

Concluding Remarks:

 In conclusion, the discussion held between TGED Foundation and the Ekiti State Forestry Commission represent a significant step towards fostering collaboration and advancing environmental sustainability. The agreement to participate in the upcoming International Forest Day program symbolizes a shared commitment to raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and inspiring collective action towards a greener and more sustainable future. 

Pictures taken at the Ekiti State Forestry Commission during the advocacy visits