Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun says his administration is ready to collaborate with stakeholders to leverage resources, expertise, and ideas to develop innovative solutions in addressing environmental pollution and climate change.

 Governor Abiodun, who stated this during the National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists (NILH), with the theme, "Urban Greenery and Beautification as a Strategy for Control of Environmental Pollution and Climate Change", held at the Federal University of Agriculture, Alabata, Abeokuta, said significant progress could only be achieved with the active involvement of stakeholders.

 Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture Development and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo, Abiodun, said urban greenery and beautification were essential strategies in fighting against environmental pollution and climate change, reiterating that his administration was committed to the cause of environmental conservation and sustainability.

The Governor explained that the theme was apt, considering the global concern on environmental degradation and deforestation which has adversely impacted on aesthetic value of the environment, as it informs on the collective responsibility and roles everyone would play in safeguarding the environment for future generations.

The Governor added that urban greenery and beautification was a strategy to combat environmental pollution, just as he explained that environmental pollution and climate change were global challenges that require urgent attention, saying it was imperative that all proactive measures be adopted to mitigate the challenges and create a sustainable future for everyone.

 Contributing, the Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Prof. Olushola Kehinde enjoined all landscape Horticulturists to make horticulture a pride of place across the State and country at large, by elevating the practice as a way of impacting positively on the society, primarily starting from every home.

In their various address, the President of the Institute, Alhaji Kola Quadri, and the State Chapter Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole noted that the theme was meant to draw more attention to the issue of environmental pollution and climate change and maintained that utilising urban greenery and beautification was a veritable tool to evolve sustainable and practical initiatives to purify the environment and make it safe for all and unborn generation.

Dignitaries at the occasion include Commissioners for Physical Planning and Urban Development, as well as Environment, TPL. Olatunji Odunlami and Ola Oresanya, represented by Mrs. Mary Durojaiye, respectively, among others.

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a special recognition award to Ogun State Government by the Institute for its landmark support for the environmental landscape and beautification initiative.