Hon. Valentine Asuen Welcomes Africa Peace Project Team, Backs 1 Million Tree Initiative

The Chairman of the Edo State Forestry Commission, Hon. Valentine Owamagbe Asuen, on Monday, received a high-powered delegation from the Africa Initiative for Peace Project, led by Mrs. Bernadette Strebel, President of the Association of World Peace, Europe.

The courtesy visit to the commission’s headquarters in Benin City formed part of activities ahead of the official flag-off of the 2025 World Environment Day One Million Tree Planting Project in Edo State. The project is a collaborative environmental conservation effort between the Edo State Government and the Africa Initiative for World Peace.

Speaking during the visit, Hon. Asuen warmly welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Edo State Government and reiterated the state’s readiness to provide full institutional support for the successful implementation of the program. He described the initiative as timely and in line with the state government’s long-term environmental sustainability goals.

“As a government committed to a green and healthy environment, we are proud to partner with global and continental organizations like yours. This initiative will further boost our reforestation campaign, combat climate change, and open up socio-economic opportunities for our people,” Hon. Asuen said.

In her remarks, Mrs. Bernadette Strebel, Vice President of the Africa Initiative for Peace Project and President of the Association of World Peace, Europe, expressed her gratitude to the Edo State Forestry Commission and the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for their unwavering support for the initiative.

She noted that the forthcoming “One Million Tree Planting for Peace” project was conceived to promote peace, ecological restoration, and community development through large-scale tree planting campaigns across Africa.

“As we mark World Environment Day, this program will not only tackle deforestation and climate challenges but also create awareness on the urgent need for environmental responsibility among citizens,” she stated.

As part of the project activities, the Executive Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, will officially commission a 28.5-hectare forest plantation in the state. The plantation will serve as a pilot project and a symbol of the government’s commitment to reforestation and environmental protection.

The “One Million Tree Planting for Peace” initiative has been described as a laudable environmental legacy that will help in carbon capture, soil protection, ecosystem restoration, and job creation in Edo State.

Hon. Asuen further commended Senator Monday Okpebholo for his visionary leadership and firm commitment to environmental sustainability, urging other state governors in the country to emulate Edo State’s proactive approach to climate action and reforestation.

The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs and a formal pledge by both parties to work closely for the success of the project and other future environmental conservation initiatives.