The proposed Forest and Wildlife Preservation Law, 2017 when operational, will mitigate climate change by reducing the effect of the ozone depletion through the creation of forest reserves across Ogun State.
This was the submissions of members of the State’s House of Assembly who contributed to the debate during the second reading of the bill titled: “HB. No. 23/OG/2017-A Bill for a law to provide for the Conservation, Preservation and Control of Forest and Wildlife in Ogun State,” at the plenary shortly after the motion for its second reading was moved by Hon. Adeyemi Harrison, seconded by Hon Adebowale Viwanu Ojo and supported by the Whole House through a voice vote.
Opening debate on the bill, Hon. Harrison who is also the sponsor described the bill as a legislative instrument that would contribute to the health and safety of the environment, while condemning the encroachment of eight out of the nine existing forest reserves across the State with a call on his colleague –lawmakers to support the accelerated passage of the bill.
In their submissions, the Chief Whip, Idowu Olowofuja and other lawmakers including Jimi Otukoya and Akanbi Bankole explained that the bill would enhance environmental safety and reduce the health hazard relating to climatic change.
The posited that vulnerability of structures to flooding would be greatly reduced, adding that it would also create more job opportunities for the teeming populace in the State who would explore the potentials inherent in agro-forestry.
Contributing, other members like Honourables Olayiwola Ojodu and Rasaq Oduntan, harped on the need for the protection of existing forest reserves, stressing the need to checkmate illegal tree fallings and sawmill operation which according to them would be addressed by the bill when passed by the Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.
In addition, Hon. Adeleye Adebiyi stated that the bill when put in place would boost food security, requesting an adjustment in the bill title to reflect that there was an existing bill which according to him needed to be strengthened for effective service delivery.
Responding, the Speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon Suraju Ishola Adekunbi, lauded his colleague-lawmakers for their ensuring a thorough debate on the bill and thereafter committed the bill to the House Committee on Agriculture and Forestry for further legislative action.
Packaged by Azeez Ayansola
