Environmental experts suggest law mandating planting of trees for landlords

Concerned by the imminent threats of environmental pollution to human well-being, a gathering of experts in Ogun State convened on Wednesday to deliberate on viable solutions to address this pressing issue. The 16th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulture (NILH) took place at the Federal University of Agriculture in Abeokuta, where experts not only discussed potential remedies but also called for legislative support to enforce tree planting by landlords.

In her keynote address on the theme "Urban Greenery and Beautification as a Strategy for Control of Environmental Pollution and Climate Change," Dr. Elizabeth Augustus, the Provost of the Federal College of Agriculture in Ibadan, underscored the urgent need for green solutions to combat environmental pollution. Dr. Augustus highlighted the far-reaching consequences of pollution, encompassing climate change, water and soil contamination, and adverse impacts on aquatic life, agriculture, and wildlife, ultimately posing severe risks to human health.

Addressing specific health concerns linked to pollution, Dr. Augustus pointed out the connection to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory issues, and heightened hospitalization rates. Proposing a strategic approach, she advocated for the integration of greenery and beautification as crucial interventions, emphasizing the significant role of plants in the global carbon cycle and their potential in mitigating climate change. Dr. Augustus also stressed the importance of phytoremediation, a plant-based method designed to extract and remove pollutants from the soil, thus reclaiming polluted areas and stabilizing soil fertility.

Aligning with the call for legislative support, Kola Quadri, the President of NILH, urged the National Assembly to enact a law requiring homeowners to plant at least one tree within their premises. Emphasizing the widespread impact of climate change in Nigeria and the world, Quadri suggested starting the initiative at the local government level, with subsequent adoption by the state assemblies.

Echoing these sentiments, Emmanuel Bankole, the Ogun State chairman of the institute, emphasized that the purpose of the program was to draw attention to the effects of climate change and propose practical solutions. Bankole affirmed the institute's commitment to collaborating with government authorities at all levels to mitigate global warming, ensuring the preservation of the environment for current and future generations.