Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has advocated a return to agro-forestry as an effective means of lifting Nigeria out of its current economic doldrums.

He made the suggestion on Tuesday while addressing a session of environmental experts at the ongoing 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference of Parties, COP 21 held in Paris, France.

“The way to go if we really want to come out of the current economic crisis is through agro-forestry. It will save our environment and provide jobs for our people,” Governor Amosun said,

Adding: “If we are going to get it right as a nation back home, we need to diversify our economy. We are blessed with natural and human resources and the best way to diversify is via agriculture that will lead us into industrialisation.”

He also expressed joy with the global focus on sustainable and eco-friendly development which the COP 21 represents, saying: “I am happy and excited about the COP 21 conference because everyone is putting attention on the environment.

“It is so important to us in Ogun State because we have the largest base of industries in Nigeria and therefore we need to look into energy sources that are environmentally friendly for the industries.”

Senator Amosun seized the occasion to stress the fact that in Ogun State, the era of uncurbed carbon emissions by companies is over. He said this was necessary due to the long term effects of such carbon emissions on the livelihoods and health of the people.

The Governor also called on global investors who are not yet in Ogun State to make the Gateway State their destination of choice.

He said Ogun State is a perfect destination for local and foreign investors because it is blessed with human capital, access to major markets in Lagos and the entire West African sub-region as well as investors’ friendly policies.

COP21, also known as the 2015 Paris Climate Conference, for the first time in over 20 years of UN negotiations, is aimed at achieving a legally binding and universal agreement on climate, with the aim of keeping global warming below 2°C.

It has been described as one of the largest international conferences ever held in France. The conference billed to hold from November 30 to December 11, is expected to attract close to 50,000 participants including 25,000 official delegates from government, intergovernmental organisations, UN agencies, NGOs and civil society.

•Photo shows Governor Amosun.

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