By Zika Bobby

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Thirteen state governments and Tropical Wood Exporters Association of Nigeria (TWEAN) have commenced moves to regenerate the depleted nation’s forests.
The group has gone ahead of the Federal Government’s policy of cut one, plant two trees, to, cut one, plant seven trees.
TWEAN Secretary General, Joseph Odiase told newsmen, in Lagos, that the group, in collaboration with some state governments has embarked on massive forestation programme with a view to arresting the menace of deforestation.
Odiase said between Ogun and Ekiti states, the group has acquired over 1,000 hectares of land for tree planting
He hinted that Osun, Kogi, Kwara, Taraba, Benue, Edo, Akwa-Ibom, Jigawa, Katsina, Niger, Oyo and Ondo have started discussing with exporters to create tree farms in the states.
He said they are ready and willing to partner with the federal government to tackle the effect of climate change in Nigeria.
“We must protect and preserve the forest for this and future generations because these forests also help in the sustenance and preservation of the environment.
“We are working with the Ministry of Environment as they have promised to provide technical support when needed.
“In as much as our businesses are important to us, we cannot jeopardise the environment for economic gains because we are not the only ones operating in the nation’s economy.
“We will not only abide with cut one, plant two trees policy of government, we are also embarking on a massive forest cultivation programme.
“The project is a fulfilment of our commitment to the Minister of Environment at the national stakeholders’ meeting on forestation,” he said.