In a bid to combat the incessant issue of global warming which has resulted in the recent climate change, the Junior Chamber International, Ibadan Elite chapter, recently flagged off her afforestation project tagged ‘Go-Green Initiative’ at the Gambari Forest Reserve, Oyo State.

The event which took place in the early hours of Monday, January 18, 2020, was convened by the organisation’s 2021 President, JC Toba Adeyeye, his Board of Directors and their entire membership.

The President of JCI Ibadan Elite, JC Toba Adeyeye, in his remarks, noted that the afforestation project is one of the planned projects aimed at community development, environmental management and sustainability in line with UN/SDG goals.

He further stated that JCI Ibadan Elite intends to plant 11,000 trees on the allocated farmland, as part of the 100,000 trees planned to be planted by JCI in Nigeria. He expressed his appreciation to the Oyo State Ministry of Environment for the support and allocation of 10 hectares of land for the purpose of the GO GREEN project.

He mentioned that the afforestation exercise does not end by just planting the trees, but the planted trees would be nurtured and well monitored.

In his words, “the world would be a better place if we all collaborate to make a meaningful contribution to humanity through selfless efforts.”

Speaking further, he reiterated that global warming is not a new subject of conversation all over the world and one of the ways its effect can be mitigated is by planting trees around our houses, offices, religious houses buildings, recreational centres, etc.

In his speech, the National President of the youth-based organisation, JCIN Ambassador Abiola Olorunisola, expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, for the opportunity to partner with the government on this project.

He further appreciated the local organisation, JCI Ibadan Elite, for spearheading the project as he mentioned that the national organisation had plans to work with the government much later in the year, but he is glad that JCI Ibadan Elite was able to achieve it earlier.

The State Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources was represented by a team led by Mr. A. F. Ariori, the State Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry.

In his speech, the Director applauded the GO-GREEN initiative taken up by JCI Ibadan Elite in Oyo state. He commended the leadership of the organisation for their drive and selfless services towards improving the lives of the people of Ibadan and Oyo State at large.

He harped on the need for individuals to take responsibility for the earth’s sustainability and one of the ways this can be achieved is through tree planting which in turn improves the vegetative cover and also aids the healing of our planet from consequences of global warming.

He admonished JCI Nigeria to carry out the same project in other states of the federation.

Responding, the JCI National President confirmed that plans were already on in other local chapters of the organisation with regards to the GO GREEN project.

Also present at the event was the Charter President of JCI Ibadan Elite, JCI Senator Tolu Adeniyi, her successor, JCIN Ambassador Sanmi Abiodun who is equally the present National Editor of JCI Nigeria.

The immediate past president of JCI Ibadan Elite, JCIN Ambassador Oluwakemi Irinoye, thanked the participants for showing commitment to the afforestation project with their supports especially by gracing the occasion of the flagship exercise.

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