Don raises alarm over deforestation, says 10m hectares

From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin

Prof. Lawrence Ezemonye, Vice Chancellor, Igbinedion University, (IUO) Okada, has raised concern over deforestation, saying the world loses an estimated 10 million hectares of forest every year.

He disclosed this on the occasion marking the International Day of Forests at the University, Okada, Edo State.

Professor Ezemonye stated that Nigeria is not insulated from the global crisis occasioned by deforestation, saying the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations (UN) has constantly flagged the country as one of the countries with the highest rates of deforestation in Africa.

He explained that the consequences of the loss are grave as its effects are visible in increased flooding and desertification and up to the collapse of ecosystem services, displacement of communities and the acceleration of climate change.

The Vice Chancellor stated that based on the negative impact of deforestation in our ecosystem, the International Day of Forests is not just ceremonial but a clarion call to action.

He disclosed that as a university, they bear a unique and privileged responsibility in this conversation as institutions of higher learning are, by their very nature, custodians of knowledge and incubators of solutions.

Professor Ezemonye however said Igbinedion University is proud to affirm its abiding commitment to environmental sustainability not merely as an academic subject, but as a live institutional value.

The keynote speaker at the event and Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Nosa Adams, who spoke on the theme “Forests as climate assets”, said protecting the forests is protecting our lives.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Sustainability, Edo State, Mr. Victor Otamere, Adams said the government is doing its best in preserving the forests, thus establishing the Edo State Forestry Commission, headed by a chairman.

Chairman of Edo State Forestry Commission, Valentine Asuen, represented by the Area Forest Officer, Ovia North East, Mrs. Joan Omosigho, said despite the immense benefits of the forests, they are confronted with the challenge of deforestation.

He, however, called on Nigerians to be good ambassadors of the forests.

In his welcome address, Director Centre for Climate Change and SDGs, Prof. Spencer Nwangwu, said the forests of the world are in crisis globally.

He said deforestation continues at alarming rates, driven by agricultural expansion, urban sprawl, illegal logging and the relentless pressure of human consumption.

Prof. Nwangwu reminded participants at the event that the day should not only be seen as a speech making day but one for commitment to making a change that would improve on the environment.

The theme of the International Day of Forests is “Forests and economies.”