Lagos State Governor, Babajide 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.

Speaking at the 2026 Tree Planting Day celebration held at Eko Amore Gardens, Freedom Way, Lekki, the Governor described the annual event as a demonstration of the State’s commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action through nature-based solutions.

The Governor, who spoke through 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 per cent 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, urging residents to obtain free tree seedlings from LASPARK’s nurseries in Ikorodu and Agege for planting in homes, schools, offices and communities.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. 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, who highlighted 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.