The Ogun State Government has announced plans to introduce modern communication tools, including walkie-talkies, to enhance the monitoring of forestry officers in state reserves.
The Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, disclosed this during the ministry’s statutory monthly meeting in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, stating that the initiative would provide real-time oversight of field officers and serve as an alternative to poor network coverage in remote locations.
He urged officers to take their responsibilities seriously by preventing illegal activities such as unauthorized tree felling, cutting of filches, and the cultivation of restricted crops like cocoa in forest reserves.
He warned that the government would not tolerate indiscipline and called for strict compliance with revenue remittance policies.
“You are doing yourself a great disservice by colluding with criminals to exploit the forest. If the trees you are meant to protect go into extinction, it could spell the end of your career in the civil service,” Oludotun cautioned.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Augustine Oyesanwe, outlined the procedures for submitting reports and remitting revenue, urging officers to redouble their efforts.
He assured that diligent officers would be rewarded, while those who fail to perform would face sanctions.
