The Ogun State House of Assembly has commended the Management Team of the State Ministry of Forestry, led by Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, for reviving the moribund forest reserves at Oja Odan through Public-Private Partnerships, while defending its proposed ₦2.751 billion budget for 2026.
The commendation came from the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, chaired by Hon. Musefiu Lamidi, during the ongoing 2026 budget defence at the Assembly Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Lawmakers praised the Ministry for its innovative approach to reforestation and sustainable tree utilisation, emphasizing its critical role in boosting the State’s economy.
Engr. Oludotun attributed the Ministry’s over 85% revenue performance in 2025 to timber sales, ground rents, and leasing of forest lands to private investors.
He highlighted that the Ministry had leased 3,000 hectares of forest land at Oja Odan to a Chinese firm, a move that reactivated the reserve, generated revenue, and created jobs for citizens in the host communities.
The Commissioner assured lawmakers of continued efforts to restore, protect, and sustainably manage forest resources across the State.
“Our goal is not only revenue generation but also environmental conservation and employment creation for our citizens,” Engr. Oludotun said.
During the session, the Assembly also considered budget proposals from other agencies and institutions, including the State Forestry Plantations (Project Area J4), Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, the State Teaching Service Commission, D. S. Adrgbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, its Ijebu Igbo counterpart, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Local Government Service Commission, among others.
The lawmakers urged all ministries to pursue innovative and proactive initiatives to boost revenue generation and strengthen Ogun State’s economy in the coming fiscal year.
