Forestry Officers have been cautioned to refrain from collaborating with loggers and other unauthorized people in felling and loading trees as well as other forest resources, especially on weekends.
Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, gave the warning, while addressing management and Forest Officers at the Ministry's headquarters, Abeokuta, charging lazy officers to turn a new leaf and be proactive, to enhance the revenue generation drive of the ministry.
Engr. Oludotun described the officers as catalysts, whose actions or inactions might make or mar the output of the Ministry, warning that stiff penalties would be meted out to erring ones.
"In as much as the Ministry is investing heavily on you, it is your responsibility to reciprocate such gesture by ensuring you put in all within you for the progress of the ministry", he said.
He urged team leaders to hold regular meetings, at least on a weekly basis, to review activities, progress and monitor habitual absentees among them.
Reiterating government’s commitment to human capacity development, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji, in his remarks, appreciated the Commissioner for his usual support, especially at the just concluded training programme, tasking officers to allow knowledge gained at the retreat reflect in their daily activities and not see it as a jamboree or exercise in futility.
