The Lagos State Government has planted trees simultaneously at four COVID-19 isolations centers to honour health workers and commemorate this year’s Tree Planting Day in the State.
In 2008, the state Government designated July 14TH as Tree Planting Day and backed it up with a legislation in 2011 as part of its commitment to a green and sustainable environment
While Governor Sanwo-Olu performed the ceremony at the Infectious Disease Hospital Yaba, IDH, the Deputy Governor, Doctor Obafemi Hamzat was at Gbagada General Hospital, while the wife of the Governor and that of the Deputy Governor did the same at Onikan and Landmark Isolation Centers.
In his remarks at the IDH, Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that this would be the third time the State is acknowledging the sacrifices being made by Healthworkers.
Noting that COVID-19 cannot be an excuse for not paying attention to preexisting issues, Governor Sanwo-Olu promised that his administration would continue to work toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals particularly in combating climate change.
“You will agree with me that we can draw parallels between the protective role trees play in the environment, and the roles of our health workers in protecting us from diseases and pandemics. It is therefore fitting that we are planting trees today to celebrate and support our health workers. And just as these trees will long outlive us, the heroic feats and sacrifices of our frontline health workers will also never be forgotten, even long after the pandemic is behind us.
We do not have a back-up planet, so we must treat the Earth with respect and dignity” the Governor said
In an address of welcome, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello explained that the State chose the four major isolation centers as ceremonial sites for this year’s tree planting day celebrations as they were very significant in view of this year’s theme which is “Trees for Life”.
His counterpart in the Ministry of Health, Professor Akin Abayomi noted that Tree Planting is part of the One Health initiative as trees gives sustenance.
The Tree Planting Day was also marked in the fifty seven Local Governments and council Development Areas in Lagos.
Omolara Omosanya
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