Urgent Call for Sustainable Forest Management in Nigeria

On Tuesday, during the 18th inaugural lecture at Prince Abubakar Audu University in Anyigba, Kogi State, Professor Adesola Ogidiolu highlighted the critical need for aggressive and sustainable management of Nigeria's forest reserves. He warned that continued degradation poses serious environmental and economic risks.

Ogidiolu outlined a comprehensive roadmap to safeguard forest ecosystems and unlock their economic potential, stressing the importance of expanding forest coverage and adopting modern silvicultural techniques. He called for decisive action against deforestation and urged authorities to pursue zero net deforestation targets.

The professor emphasized the need for Nigeria to strengthen compliance with international environmental agreements to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. He also recommended community involvement in forest protection and the establishment of eco-friendly forest industries.

The event was noted as a significant milestone by the university's vice chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman, who mentioned plans for additional inaugural lectures through 2027.