… Explains prospective impact of current urban renewal initiatives of Governor Aiyedatiwa
A global expert at climate-smart initiatives, Dr Abiola Bashorun, has hailed the ongoing urban expansion into parts of the Omi-Eja corridor and Fasoranti Park in Akure, insisting that the decision was strategic, security-driven and backed by a comprehensive climate remediation framework.
In a statement, Dr Bashorun, said the land-use transition was not an act of indiscriminate deforestation but a controlled response to Akure’s rapid population growth, rising housing demand and mounting pressure on infrastructure.
The statement acknowledged public concerns over forest clearing but stressed that urban expansion must translate into long-term ecological, economic and social benefits for the state.
It explained that designating sections of Omi-Eja and Fasoranti Park for development was aimed at addressing housing and infrastructure deficits, unlocking economic opportunities, creating jobs and preventing unplanned urban sprawl as well as informal settlements.
Beyond development needs, the statement highlighted growing security and safety concerns associated with retaining large, dense forest reserves within the heart of Akure.
It noted that such areas had increasingly become hideouts for criminal elements, heightening risks of kidnapping, armed robbery and other security breaches, while also limiting effective surveillance.
“The proximity of unmanaged forest land to residential, commercial and government facilities, posed additional risks as the state capital continues to expand. Converting select forested zones into planned urban districts, would improve policing, ensure clearer land ownership and reduce the misuse of ungoverned spaces.” Bashorun said.
On the economic front, she observed that land reclassification would boost Internally Generated Revenue through land leases, property taxation, development charges and commercial investments, with proceeds channelled into infrastructure, social services and environmental remediation programmes.
While acknowledging the environmental impact of forest clearing, including reduced carbon sinks, temporary biodiversity disruption and loss of green cover, the climate change expert said “these effects are definitely being addressed through a multi-layered climate strategy. Central to the plan is the Ondo Climate Offset and Reforestation Programme, which mandates the planting of two to three hectares of forest for every hectare cleared.”
The statement noted that reforestation efforts will prioritise degraded forest reserves, river basin buffer zones and erosion-prone lands, using only native and climate-resilient species.
She expressed confidence that government would soon establish permanent urban green belts, city forests and ecological corridors across Akure, while granting legal conservation status to remaining natural green areas to curb flooding, heat stress and air pollution.
She also advocated mandatory tree-planting policy that will require every residential, commercial and institutional property to plant at least ten trees. “Doing this would ensure that compliance is integrated into building approvals, certificates of occupancy and major renovation permits, with seedlings supplied through state-supported nurseries.
In addition, new developments in cleared zones will be required to comply with low-carbon construction standards, while future industrial facilities around Akure must be carbon-capture ready. Habitat banking funded by developers and biodiversity restoration outside urban cores will also be introduced, with independent ecological monitoring by academic institutions and civil society groups.”
The statement further outlined the Ondo State Climate-Smart Agronomy Programme, aimed at reducing pressure on natural forests through agroforestry, regenerative farming practices and the integration of economic trees into farms.
The initiative is expected to improve yields, boost farmer incomes and turn farmlands into carbon-offset landscapes.
To ensure community inclusion, host communities will be engaged in tree nurseries, reforestation contracts, forest monitoring and other green programmes designed to create sustainable jobs.
