Timber traders beg Akeredolu to lift ban on logging

By OSAGIE OTABOR, Akure

The Association of Timber Traders and Contractors (ATTC) in Ondo has appealed to Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to lift the ban on logging activities in the State.

It said more than 40 percent of the state’s working population depends on timber business to survive.

The ATTC however said it was wrong to encourage the destruction of the state forest reserve and replaced it with cocoa plantations.

A statement by the ATTC Chairman, Comrade Alaba Afere in Akure said the continued closure of the forest reserves and free area against logging activities has turned them into paupers.

Alaba said Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s policy on forestry was adverse, unpleasant and unproductive.

He said there has been no planned forest regeneration in the State in the last 40 years even though monies have been collected from them for regenerating the depleted forest reserves.

They said: “Giving an easy ride to Flitching activities in the state by the present administration has adverse effect on the timber industry.

“Farmers have gained uncalled access to the forest reserves which is not supposed to be. Their advance affects the regeneration of the forest thereby turning the forest reserve to cocoa plantations.”

Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu, Mr. Dare Aragbaiye, did not pick calls for his reaction. (The Nation)