*Let’s tackle deforestation*

Ovia North East local government council boss, Hon. Collins Osamede Ogbewe, has charge Edo state sawmillers and lorry owners to join in fight against illegal logging and deforestation within Edo state reserves in Ovia North East. Inline with Edo state government policy for climate protection, Hon Collins charge sawmillers to take the issue of deforestation seriously, urging them to read the riot act to encroachers of the state’s forest reserves.

The advisory was contained in a press statement among others, and issued to newsmen on Tuesday December 5, 2023, in Okada.

Hon Collins described forest encroachers as saboteurs, when he played host to Edo state sawmiller and lorry owners at his office in the city of Okada. He expressed shock with the level of depletion in the state’s forest reserve occasioned by the action of few, adding that their greed had made neighbouring Ondo State, the direct beneficiary of the illegal logging, the largest timber market in Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of Ovia North chapter of Edo State sawmillers association, Mr Enofe Godfrey, we formally wish to salutes your efforts in substaining peace for business to strive within Ovia North East. sir, As a body of experts, we wish to also reiterated our desire if given the opportunity to work with your administration to combat the illicit trade. the illegal trade in timber has the potential to exacerbate insecurity within neighbouring communities if not contained. Lastly, we also cease this opportunity to express our felicitation with you on your recent election into the office of the Executive Chairman of Ovia North East LGA.

Reacting with pleasure, Hon Collins thank them for the visit. Promise to continue collaborating with Edo state government led by governor Godwin Obaseki in Preserving forest reserves within Ovia North East. Hon Collins assures Edo sawmillers total support in environmental and ecological protection

It's worst in that place after maduka University in Enugu state...it is by your right if you're going to Enugu from Anambra.

I don't know what that useless mbah has done since he assumed that office

I saw a truck with a load of timber yesterday. It was a shocking sight.

The so-called timber were so small in diameter, it was obvious the forestry sector is in a desperate crisis.

I remember growing up seeing huge logs of timber on the back of trucks, but that is now history. Wanton and greedy deforestation has led to a near- permanent loss of sizable timber.

Are we also going to start importing wood

The thought beggars belief.