Edo State Governor Unveils Forestry Commission
Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State inaugurated the State’s Forestry Commission, urging them to support the government’s efforts in conserving, managing, and developing Edo state’s forest resources.
At the event held at the Okomu National Park in the Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Governor Obaseki unveiled the 10-year Edo State Forest Restoration and Plantation Strategy and the Edo State Forestry Commission logo.
The State Governor expressed distress about the destruction and declination of forests and forest reserves within the State, asserting that the Commission was established to revive the lost forests and shield the remaining forests and wildlife from poachers, illegal loggers, and other lawbreakers.
His words: today’s event encompassed multiple perspectives. Initially, it focused on sustainability – if we are to maintain our lives in this world, we must be more considerate of each other and the generations to come in order to protect what resources and capabilities remain.
The second element was security – forests are areas which are largely uncontrolled.
“Today’s event is to address two major problems. Forest management started in this area more than a century ago with a 50-year cycle in the 1920s and a 25-year cycle in the 1990s, but I did not find any evidence of a plan. It was as if we had no idea about sustainability. “Due to the activities of illegal loggers and other illicit behavior, we have seen a marked decline and damage inflicted on our forests. Ovia used to be a shadowy area that necessitated a headlight at daytime, yet now it resembles a desert. No surprise that landslides and erosion have become common.” Obaseki continued, “I have signed the forestry commission bill and part of giving effect to the law is why we are here today to correct these setbacks we have suffered.
“We considered the idea of establishing an organization to help us manage our forest and wildlife resources in a sustainable way, without conflating the forestry sector with agriculture and other industries. We decided to set up a forestry commission to handle our forest assets exclusively.”
“We are confident that we have created a very professional organization and are now able to take part in restoring our lost forests. We have outlined a strategy for reforestation and regeneration over the next decade and are delighted to have the resources and partnerships that will help us achieve our goal.” Governor Obaseki noted the economic advantages of the government’s forest regeneration program, mentioning that prior to the rise of crude oil, timber exports were commonplace.
He stated that in order to progress, develop, and diversify our economy, we must return to the practices that made us great before.
In his words: “The forestry sector is attracting a lot of investors both locally and internationally, and development partners have been quite kind to us by opening their doors and we are working with them, especially in the areas of plantation establishment.” He added, “We are revoking all existing lot compartments and reissuing new licenses based on our new strategy and with this inauguration, all forestry activities in Edo henceforth are now domiciled with the Edo Forestry Commission.
“We will intensify actions at conserving our forests. We will get the Air Force involved, the Marine for land and Aerial Forces to smoke out all those people who are not supposed to be in our forest.”
The Inauguration and Launch of the Reforestation Strategy was timely and appropriate, according to the Conservator General of the National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, who was represented by the Assistant Conservator General, Dr. Mohammed Kabir.
He highlighted the importance of Okomu National Forest, emphasizing that it is one of Nigeria’s most cherished national parks. Not only does it play a crucial role in sustaining the environment, but it also provides forest resources and habitat for wildlife.
“This initiative will bring about a positive change and provide the necessary impetus for protecting the forest and the diverse plants and animals that depend on them.” He said.
The Chairperson of the Commission, Mr. Edward Obiaw, proclaimed that the Commission would help to ensure the efficient use, maintenance, security, and exploitation of the state’s forests, wildlife, and ecosystem.
Agro Nigeria / Foluke Ibitomi
