A professor of geography, Adesola Ogidiolu, has called on the Nigerian government to significantly scale up investment in forest development and management as a strategy to combat insecurity, poverty, and unemployment across the country.
Delivering the 18th inaugural lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, titled “Geographers in the Forest: Issues, Concerns and Tasks,”Prof. Ogidiolu warned that neglect of forest resources has created ungoverned spaces that are increasingly exploited by criminal elements.
“Forests have inadvertently become safe havens for criminal activities due to poor accessibility and limited surveillance,” he said. “This is precisely why government must invest in modern monitoring technologies and proper forest management systems to reclaim these spaces and enhance national security.”
He stressed that beyond security, forests present vast opportunities for economic growth and employment if properly harnessed.
“The time is now to deploy technology and skilled manpower to identify and dislodge those who use our forests as hideouts to terrorise citizens,” he added. “At the same time, we must unlock the economic potential of forests to create jobs, reduce poverty, and drive sustainable development.”
Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that the don advocated a nationwide culture of tree planting, warning against indiscriminate logging. He urged authorities to enforce strict penalties on offenders.
“We must inculcate the habit of planting trees as a civic responsibility,” he said. “Illegal felling of trees should attract stiff sanctions to serve as a deterrent. Conservation must be treated as a national priority, not an afterthought.”
Highlighting the broader ecological and economic importance of forests, Ogidiolu outlined a multi-pronged approach to sustainable forest management.
“In view of the immense value of forest ecosystems, there is an urgent need to expand forest cover, even into marginal lands, through deliberate collaboration among all tiers of government and the private sector,” he noted.
He further recommended the adoption of best silvicultural practices, including controlled harvesting and regeneration strategies.
“We must manage forests sustainably by adopting conservation measures such as delayed harvesting and improved techniques that minimise environmental damage,” he said. “Equally important is restoring degraded forest landscapes through reforestation using fast-growing and ecologically adaptive species.”
On climate action, the professor urged Nigeria to intensify compliance with global environmental agreements.
“Mitigating climate change requires proactive engagement with international conventions such as the Kyoto Protocol and other frameworks aimed at reducing carbon emissions,” he said. “We must also prioritise cleaner energy alternatives.”
Ogidiolu emphasised the importance of community involvement in forest governance.
“Forest protection cannot succeed without local participation,” he stated. “The establishment of Forest Protection Communities and volunteer groups will foster a sense of ownership and help curb illegal activities.”
He also pointed to emerging opportunities in biodiversity exploration and research.
“Bioprospecting offers significant economic potential,” he explained. “By exploring wild plants and animals for valuable genetic and biochemical resources, Nigeria can tap into new revenue streams while advancing scientific knowledge.”
The professor urged the government to dismantle bureaucratic hurdles hindering effective forest management.
“Politically, there must be deliberate efforts to remove administrative bottlenecks that undermine conservation,” he said. “Good forest governance, poverty reduction in forest communities, and the creation of alternative livelihoods are critical to long-term success.”
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of PAAU, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and intellectual engagement.
“Inaugural lectures are defining moments of scholarship and institutional prestige, serving as a bridge between the university and society,” he said. “We are determined to reposition this tradition as a vibrant and impactful component of our academic culture.”
He acknowledged that while some younger universities have made notable progress, PAAU is committed to closing the gap.
“We must not only catch up but also establish ourselves as a leading institution where intellectual discourse thrives,” he added. “This administration will ensure that inaugural lectures become central to our academic identity.”
Describing the lecture’s theme as timely, the Vice-Chancellor underscored the relevance of geography in addressing contemporary global challenges.
“In an era defined by climate change, deforestation, and ecological imbalance, the role of geographers is indispensable,” he said. “This lecture challenges us to rethink our relationship with the environment and adopt interdisciplinary solutions.”
He concluded with a vision for the university’s future.
“Our goal is to make inaugural lectures celebrated intellectual events that reflect the nobility of scholarship,” Usman said. “Together, we will build a university where ideas flourish, scholarship thrives, and excellence remains the standard.”
Copyright: Fresh Angle International (www.freshangleng.com)
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