The Ogun State Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun has reminded officers of the Ministry, especially those in the forest reserves that they bear tremendous responsibility to manage the natural resources wisely and sustainably.
As managers of the forests, it is also their responsibility to report to the appropriate quarters any form of infraction in their area of operations.
The Commissioner who stated these in his opening remark at the opening ceremony of a three-day retreat organised for the management staff and heads of division of the Ministry at Ijebu -Ode, added that the retreat would provide participants with unique opportunity to reflect on practices, exchange of ideas and deepen their understanding on forest management principles.
Engr. Oludotun also said that issues of revenue generation for developmental projects and Management would not be deemphasized in as much as the government is interested in the preservation of the natural vegetation as it protects the depletion of the ozone layer.
" In as much as the state Government is interested in the preservation of our natural vegetation, as it protects the depletion of the ozone layer, it is also a thing of importance to harness the revenue that comes out of it while we try as much as possible to block leakages " He said.
He therefore charged participants to participate actively and explore new avenue for improvement and innovation while ensuring that they uphold the global highest standards of Forestry management.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Timothy Olatunji highlighted benefits of the retreat to include provision of valuable opportunity to reflect on their current practices, Identify areas of improvement and collectively brainstorm on innovative solutions.
Also among the benefits according to Mr.Olatunji are:deepening understanding of Forestry management principles, current industry trends and best practices related to productivity and efficiency, facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences among participants, drawing on diverse perspectives and expertise within the group among others.
Meanwhile,later in an interview,the Project Manager Ogun State Forestry Plantation Project, Area J4 Forest Reserve, Mr. Babatunde Adebosin revealed that the retreat would have multiplying effect on the professional future outlook of the ministry, which would enable the participants to be able to think outside the box.
Contributing, the senior consultant, Abemgo & Associates, co-partner of the retreat, noted that seasoned professional will be impacting their knowledge on the participants, which would make them aware of their responsibility as civil servants and the need to have team work spirit.
Speaking on behalf of other participants, Mrs Asake Badejo and Mr. Olumuyiwa Adeogun appreciated the leadership of the Ministry for organizing the retreat, while assuring that all knowledge impacted would be used to move the ministry forward.
The retreat which had in attendance the State Head of Service, Mr. Peter Kola Fagbohun, Directors in the Ministry and some retired Management staff was rounded off on Saturday.
