Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has called on all Lagosians to actively participate in tree planting and, more importantly, nurture every tree planted as part of the collective effort to build a greener, healthier and more climate-resilient State.
The governor spoke at the 2026 Tree Planting Day celebration held at Eko Amore Gardens, Freedom Way, Lekki on Tuesday.
He described the annual event as a demonstration of the State’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action through nature-based solutions.
The Governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Abimbola Salu- Hundeyin, stressed that planting trees alone is not enough, noting that their true value lies in ensuring they survive and mature.
He commended the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) for its commitment to greening the State, saying the agency’s efforts continue to strengthen Lagos’ resilience against the impacts of climate change, including rising temperatures and flooding.
The Governor noted that trees help cool the environment, improve air quality, reduce flood risks and enhance public health, adding that environmental stewardship is a shared responsibility that requires the participation of government, communities, schools, traditional institutions, corporate organisations and residents.
Providing an update on the state’s tree planting campaign, Sanwo-Olu disclosed that 13,401 trees—representing 67 percent of the state’s 20,000-tree target—had been planted across the five divisions of Lagos as of June 30, 2026, with all trees being monitored by LASPARK to ensure their survival.
He announced the commencement of a new planting season across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas, which will run throughout the rainy season until October to exceed the annual target.
The Governor charged the Chairmen of the 57 LGAs and LCDAs to serve as “Tree Custodians” by working closely with LASPARK to protect and monitor trees within their communities, while reminding residents that anyone who unlawfully fells a tree must replace it with five others in accordance with State law.
As part of this year’s celebration, Governor Sanwo-Olu also unveiled the 20 Lagos Tree Champions, recognising individuals and organisations whose outstanding contributions have advanced the greening of Lagos.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the Environment and Health pillar of the THEMES+ Development Agenda while urging residents to obtain free tree seedlings from LASPARK’s nurseries in Ikorodu and Agege for planting in homes, schools, offices and communities.
“We are not just planting trees; we are planting hope and a lasting legacy. Together, we can build a Lagos that is cooler, cleaner, safer, flood-resilient and more beautiful for future generations,” the Governor said.
In his welcome address the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, described the annual exercise as a strategic environmental intervention aimed at combating the growing effects of climate change while encouraging environmental stewardship among residents.
Wahab highlighting the theme for The 2026 celebration “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility,”
said the celebration goes beyond a ceremonial event, noting that it serves as a reminder that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.
He observed that the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events, flooding, land degradation, biodiversity loss and rising temperatures across the globe underscores the urgent need for collective climate action, adding that tree planting remains one of the simplest and most effective nature-based solutions to mitigate these environmental challenges.
According to him, trees play a critical role in improving air quality, absorbing carbon dioxide, conserving water, enriching the soil, reducing flooding and erosion, providing habitats for wildlife and enhancing the overall health and wellbeing of communities, while also supporting economic activities such as agriculture, forestry and tourism.
Wahab further announced that all Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas have been designated as Tree Custodians, with the responsibility of nurturing and monitoring the trees planted within their jurisdictions for a minimum period of 12 months to ensure sustainability and improve survival rates.
He urged residents to see every tree planted as an investment in the future, calling on all Lagosians to nurture the trees and embrace environmentally responsible practices that will safeguard the State’s natural heritage for generations to come.
Wahab also encouraged residents to plant not only trees but also the values of hope, unity, responsibility and environmental consciousness, expressing confidence that through collective action, Lagos will continue to set the pace in sustainable environmental management in Nigeria.
In her goodwill message, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Oluremi Hamzat said the future of the environment depends on the choices residents make and engage in.
Hamzat said Lagos is one of Africa’s fastest-growing cities continues to face the challenges of rapid urbanisation, rising temperatures, flooding and environmental degradation.
She maintained that planting and nurturing trees remains one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve air quality, reduce heat, preserve biodiversity and build healthier, more resilient communities.
She stressed that Tree planting is more than an environmental exercise but an investment in the health, safety and prosperity of future generations.
She encouraged every Lagosian, families, schools, faith-based organisations, market associations and the private sector—to make tree planting a way of life. saying that it must become a lasting legacy for generations to come.
A total of 21 Tree Champions drawn the from real estate sector, schools, private sector amongst others were presented Awards to recognise and appreciate their contributions and commitment to the Lagos greening Initiative.
The highpoint of the event was the ceremonial planting of Trees by every dignitary at the event which included the The Governor, Wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, Chairman, Agege Local Government, Hon Vinod Obasa, Permanent Secretary Office of Drainage Services amongst others.
