INTRODUCTION

Trees are rightfully called the ‘lungs of the earth.’ Life on earth would cease to exist if trees ceased to exist. This is because trees are responsible for sustaining the environment in several ways.Trees also release life-supporting oxygen and absorb harmful gasses like carbon dioxide during the process of photosynthesis. They also act as sponges by taking in toxic emissions and other pollutants, released into the atmosphere by industries and vehicles. The roots of trees help to bind the soil together thereby preventing erosion. The blatant and increased rate of deforestation is the primary cause of so many environmental problems in our environment. In addition to being the bearers of delicious fruits, trees are also the natural home of several species of animals, birds, and insects. Thus, the destruction of a tree implies the destruction of an entire ecosystem. It is however very saddening that trees are being felled in a very alarming way. Deforestation has become the order of the day and this is leading to serious environmental degradation. Sometimes it needs to be done and it has to be done fast. It is on this analysis that TGED team visited the palace of Ire Ekiti to donate 100 seedlings to be planted in the community and to sensitize and educate the stakeholders on the importance of trees.

ANALYSIS OF THE PRESENTATION

During the event, the Oba welcomed the team warmly and expressed his gladness for such an event. He further added that if such environmentally friendly activities in Ekiti state continues, Ekiti state will have a better vegetative environment like the city in Spain where he once visited some years ago. He also stated further that as a lover of trees, he will make sure trees are planted in his palace and within the community. He continued by telling his chiefs and other stakeholders present at the event that they should try and inculcate the habit of planting trees. He said the function of trees is not just to cut it down to make roofs, used for cooking, trees represent beauty, it is medicinal, it also protects the environment from erosion and other environmental chaos.

The program started with a speech by the Team Lead of TGED, Mr. Omojola Odunayo in which he stated that Ekiti state has long been affected by the impacts of deforestation and further expressed the need to adopt the habit of tree planting. This is because tree planting will help in the fight against so many environmental issues in the state. He further stated that the 5,000 tree planting initiative is to help in promoting afforestation and creating awareness across Ekiti state on the importance of tree planting and the negative effect of climate change. He stated that tree planting should not be a one-off thing, it should be a continuous exercise. By doing this, we are helping the environment get back to its sustainable form and it will also help the people of Ekiti State have a better afforested environment.

After the speech, the 100 seedlings were handed over to the Oba which comprises Gmelina and Afara species. After the presentation, there was a planting session where the king planted two of the seedlings together with his chiefs and TGED Foundation team lead.
In conclusion, the king once appreciated the Foundation for bringing such a wonderful program to Ire-Ekiti and prayed that God in his infinite mercy will continue to uphold the Founder and all the TGED team.

Also present at the event were:

High Chief Asaba Adelabu Adeyinka
High Chief Alawe Ologundudu Segun
Ajiboye F.A High Chief Ejelu
Kayode Abe, Eleekan Ire
Ojolo John, High Chief Ejio
Francis Adedipe, Oloja Oke
Ayeni John, High Chief Oniyein
Ajayi B.A, High Chief Olooro
Aliu Abdullahi, High Chief Olojoa Ire
Agbetuyi Francis, High Chief Arowa of Ire
Prince Adebuoyero Alonge
Olori Ebi
Other relevant stakeholders such as the town council members, community citizens were all present at the meeting. Various questions were asked which were all answered and they also contributed to the conversation.