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Nigerian Canadian environmentalist, Surajdeen Alabede, commends Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun for his outstanding commitment to affordable housing in Ogun State. Since 2019, his administration has delivered more than 5,000 housing units across the three senatorial districts, a record that has brought real relief to many families.
With plans to reach a total of 10,000 units by 2027, including 3,000 more in 2026, the governor is creating jobs, strengthening local economies, and helping more residents become homeowners. This people-focused leadership deserves commendation and recognition.
It is worth mentioning, however, that rapid urban expansion brings challenges that cannot be handled with kid gloves. As more concrete structures rise, the urban heat island effect intensifies, with buildings and roads trapping heat, driving up temperatures, increasing electricity use for cooling, and raising health risks from heat stress. In Ogun State’s warm climate, these conditions can make daily life uncomfortable and costly if left unaddressed.
The most practical and powerful solution is to establish a strong urban tree canopy through widespread, strategic tree planting. Trees provide natural shade, cool the air through evapotranspiration, filter pollutants, capture carbon, and reduce flooding by absorbing rainwater. Well-placed trees can noticeably lower local temperatures, creating healthier and more livable neighbourhoods for everyone.
I am encouraged that the state has already shown interest in greening, including earlier pledges to plant one million trees and develop community parks. To build on this momentum alongside the housing push, every new estate and urban project should incorporate meaningful tree cover from the planning stage onward. Native tree species such as mango, neem, and acacia are well-suited to the local environment at a low maintenance cost. This initiative goes in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 13 (Climate Action) and 15 (Life on Land).
The Ogun State Ministry of Environment is well-positioned to lead this integration, working hand-in-hand with the ministries of housing, physical planning, and forestry to set clear greening guidelines for developments. Beyond government agencies, partnerships with local NGOs can greatly amplify success by mobilising communities, distributing seedlings, and running tree-care education programs. Collaborative efforts like these ensure broader participation and long-term stewardship.
Practical steps include conducting early site surveys to select the best planting locations, launching community seedling drives, and introducing simple policies that require substantial green coverage in new projects. Regular monitoring will help track growth and maintain the canopy over time.
In the long run, blending massive housing delivery with deliberate urban greening will produce lasting gains, including cooler cities, lower energy bills, better air quality, reduced heat-related health issues, stronger biodiversity, and greater climate resilience.
Ogun State has a golden opportunity to become a national example of balanced, sustainable growth. Governor Abiodun’s housing vision, enriched by a robust tree-planting strategy and strong partnerships, including with local NGOs, will create not only homes but vibrant, green, and enduring communities for generations to come.
Surajdeen Alabede is a Canadian-based environmental and sustainability professional. He is the Founder & Chief Strategist of the Environmental and Green Initiative for Sustainability (EGIS). He can be reached at alabedekayode@gmail.com
