Ilara-Mokin, nestled within Ondo State’s Ifedore Local Government Area in southwestern Nigeria, has embarked on a significant green initiative, planting 800 trees in the second phase of a community-wide afforestation program. This endeavor underscores the town’s commitment to environmental sustainability and enhancing its green spaces. The initiative began with an initial planting at the town’s palace, setting the stage for broader community involvement. The second phase, a more extensive undertaking, aimed to significantly increase the town’s tree cover and provide tangible environmental benefits.
The second phase of the tree planting campaign unfolded over two days, April 30th and May 1st, 2025, strategically targeting key areas within Ilara-Mokin. The initial focus was on the town’s main entry points. Commencing at the first entrance adjacent to a petrol station, the team planted trees along both sides of the road leading into the town centre, continuing to the post office area and along the adjacent street. This created a welcoming corridor of greenery for residents and visitors alike. The team also prioritized key community institutions, including the palace, Wuraola Health Centre, the general hospital, and Mega Primary School. Each location received a variety of tree species to maximize biodiversity and ecological benefits. A notable addition was the establishment of a small woodlot at Mega Primary School, planted with over 50 Tectona grandis (commonly known as teak) seedlings. This woodlot will serve as a valuable educational resource and a sustainable source of timber in the future.
The second day of planting continued the strategic approach, beginning at the palace street and extending to the Elizade guest house. From there, efforts shifted to the town’s second entrance near the general hospital, with both sides of the road leading to the town centre receiving new plantings. This approach ensured balanced distribution of the trees, maximizing their impact on the town’s overall environment. The planting extended to the main street, encompassing Wuraola Health Centre, St. Andrew’s Primary School, and the area in front of Baba Elizade’s residence, halting just beyond the houses along Elizade University road. This concentrated effort significantly enhanced the greenery along this prominent thoroughfare.
The initiative extended beyond public spaces to include private properties. Avenue trees were planted in front of Major General Omojokun’s house and other residences along the road, demonstrating the community-wide embrace of the greening project. Further enhancing the town’s green spaces, trees were planted in front of the primary school located near the United Bank for Africa (UBA) branch and within the UBA car park. Careful species selection ensured that shade-providing trees were chosen for this area, offering a comfortable environment for pedestrians and visitors. St. Andrew’s Primary School received particular attention, with Tectona grandis trees planted both in front of and within the school grounds to act as a windbreak, protecting the school from harsh winds and creating a more pleasant environment for students and staff.
The meticulous planning and execution of the tree planting initiative are evident in the species selection and placement of trees. The choice of Tectona grandis for Mega Primary School’s woodlot and St. Andrew’s Primary School’s windbreak underscores the importance of long-term sustainability and functional benefits. Similarly, the selection of shade-providing species for the UBA car park highlights the consideration given to practical needs within the community. The overall diversity in species planted throughout Ilara-Mokin demonstrates a commitment to biodiversity and a desire to create a vibrant and resilient urban forest. This careful approach ensures the long-term success of the project and maximizes the positive environmental impact on the town.
While the second phase of the tree planting initiative was a resounding success, it was not without its challenges. Sourcing the 800 seedlings proved difficult, highlighting the logistical hurdles involved in such large-scale projects. This underscores the need for accessible and reliable sources of tree seedlings to support future greening initiatives. Despite this obstacle, the community of Ilara-Mokin persevered, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to environmental improvement. The success of this phase serves as a testament to their collective effort and sets a positive example for other communities looking to undertake similar green initiatives. The project also underscores the importance of community involvement and the potential for positive change when citizens work together towards a shared environmental goal.
