As Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the globe, an Ondo State Goodwill Ambassador for Environment, Ms. Olayemi Olapeju, has urged Nigerians to express love in a meaningful way—by planting trees instead of engaging in sinful acts like fornication.
Speaking in partnership with the Ondo State Ministry of Environment at a tree-planting event and art donation ceremony, Olapeju emphasized the urgent need to combat climate change and protect the environment. The event, held on February 10, 2025, in Owo, featured the donation of an artwork titled Extinction to the National Museum.
Olapeju lamented that while lovers exchange gifts and flowers on Valentine’s Day, the love for the environment is “going into extinction.” She encouraged Nigerians to rethink their Valentine’s Day traditions by planting trees as a lasting symbol of love.
“You can see the devastating impact of deforestation leading to climate change. Many people don’t realize that when they cut down trees without replanting, they are harming the environment,” she said.
The Extinction artwork, co-created by Olapeju, her twin sister Bolajoko Taiwo, and Charles Olulaja Akeredolu (son of the late Chief J.D. Akeredolu, who pioneered thorn carving in the 1930s), symbolizes the fading connection between humans and nature.
Highlighting sustainable art practices, Olapeju explained, “You don’t have to cut down a whole tree to create artwork. Thorn carving allows us to use tree thorns without destroying the tree itself. In Ghana, when you cut down one tree, you are required to plant ten. We need to adopt similar measures.”
The initiative received widespread commendation, with G.O. Olapoju Foundation Chairman, Oladele Olapeju, praising the artists for reviving Owo’s unique thorn-carving heritage while promoting environmental conservation.
Similarly, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye, and the Administrative Secretary of the Ondo State Ministry of Environment, Mr. Kinga Olumide, urged residents to stop indiscriminate tree felling and embrace tree planting as a vital step toward environmental sustainability.
“Love for the environment is essential to human sustenance,” Olapeju concluded. “This Valentine’s, let’s show love that lasts—by planting a tree.”
