Ekiti’s Green Gamble: Can Trees Truly Become the State’s New Oil?

Ekiti State’s observance of the 2026 International Day of Forests was more than a ceremonial gathering—it was a bold declaration of intent. Beneath the speeches, marches, and symbolism lies a deeper proposition: can trees, long viewed as silent environmental assets, become the backbone of a thriving economic future?

A New Economic Language: Forests as Wealth

In a striking shift from conventional environmental rhetoric, the administration of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji reframed forestry as a serious economic venture rather than a moral obligation. Akahi News gathered that the celebration, themed “Forests and Economies,” was designed to change not just policy direction, but public mindset.

The event began with an awareness walk from Fajuyi Pavilion to the State Secretariat, drawing participation from students, environmentalists, and government officials. Yet, beyond the colourful procession, the message was clear: planting trees is no longer just about saving the planet—it is about building wealth.

Representing the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Habibat Adubiaro, delivered a keynote that redefined trees as long-term financial instruments. With global timber returns reportedly ranging between 10% and 20% annually, the administration is positioning forestry as a viable alternative investment sector for citizens.

But this raises a critical question: in a country where quick returns often dominate economic thinking, will people embrace an investment that demands patience measured in years?

The Numbers That Tell a Story

The figures presented were compelling. A teak seedling costing less than ₦200 can mature into a pole valued at ₦5,000 within seven years. Even more striking, a mahogany seedling priced at ₦500 may grow into a log worth over ₦100,000 in 15 years.

These projections suggest extraordinary returns—far exceeding many traditional savings or investment schemes. Akahi News learnt that Ekiti remains the only state in Nigeria with a Private Sector Registered Tree Growers Association, which has already planted over one million trees.

Yet, one must ask: are these projections resilient against real-world challenges such as illegal logging, climate variability, or policy inconsistency? And more fundamentally, can long-term environmental investments survive in a short-term economic culture?

Securing the Forests, Securing the Future

Beyond economic promises, the state has taken practical steps to strengthen its forestry infrastructure. The Executive Secretary of the Forestry Commission, Mr. Sunday Adekunle, revealed that forests previously feared as hideouts for criminal elements have now been reclaimed and opened for legitimate economic use.

Reforestation efforts covering 250 hectares signal measurable progress. Additionally, new forest control posts in Igbara Odo, Omuo, and Efon are expected to curb illegal activities, while pilot schemes in Ilawe, Efon, and Oke Ako demonstrate innovative use of economic trees as windbreakers to combat erosion.

This multi-layered approach suggests that Ekiti is not merely planting trees—it is attempting to build a structured green economy.

But here lies another philosophical dilemma: can nature truly be systematised without losing its intrinsic value? When forests become commodities, do they risk being reduced to mere profit centres?

The Interplay Between Environment and Survival

Commissioner for Environment, Erelu Tosin Ajisafe-Aluko, described forests as the meeting point between health and wealth—a statement that captures the dual role of natural ecosystems. Meanwhile, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, warned that deforestation directly threatens food security through climate instability.

These perspectives underline a broader truth: environmental sustainability is no longer a distant ideal; it is a present necessity tied to human survival.

Akahi News gathered that development partners, including the Forestry Association of Nigeria, TGED Foundation, and GADEF, have pledged to deepen awareness, particularly among young people.

Still, a pressing question lingers: if previous generations were warned about climate change as far back as the 1992 Earth Summit, why did meaningful action take so long? And are current efforts sufficient, or merely reactive?

A Vision Rooted in Time

Perhaps the most striking aspect of Ekiti’s strategy is its emphasis on time. Trees demand patience—years of waiting before benefits materialise. In an era defined by immediacy, this approach challenges both government and citizens to think beyond the present.

“The best time to plant a tree was yesterday; the second-best time is today,” the Governor remarked—a statement that resonates beyond forestry.

It invites deeper reflection: what other opportunities have been delayed because of society’s fixation on immediacy? And if the future depends on actions taken today, how prepared are we to make sacrifices whose rewards we may never personally enjoy?

Between Hope and Reality

Ekiti State’s “Green Economy” vision is ambitious, innovative, and, in many ways, necessary. It seeks to merge environmental stewardship with economic empowerment, offering a model that could redefine development in Nigeria.

However, its success will depend not just on policies or projections, but on sustained commitment, public trust, and the ability to balance profit with preservation.

In the end, the initiative poses a profound question to all: is humanity ready to invest in a future it cannot immediately see, but cannot afford to lose?

By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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