The Minister of Environment, Malam Lawal Balarabe, on Wednesday, said that innovation was key to tackle the growing challenges of deforestation, desertification and biodiversity loss in Nigeria.
Balarabe stated this during the 85th anniversary and 76th to 83rd Combined Convocation Ceremony of the Federal College of Forestry in Ibadan.
The minister, represented by the Conservator-General, National Park Services, Dr Ibrahim Goni, said that Nigeria as a country must embrace new technologies and practices that enhance forest management, reduce human impact on its natural resources, and promote sustainability.
According to him, the ministry of environment is committed to supporting research and innovation in sustainable forestry.
“We are exploring partnerships with international partners and institutions like this college to promote agroforestry, green technologies, and sustainable resource management that can help us build a green economy.
“Our Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) and the Great Green Wall Initiative are just a few examples of how we are taking action to combat environmental degradation and restore our natural ecosystems,” he said.
Balarabe expressed optimism that the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, would continue to thrive, and produce excellent graduates as well as conduct researches that promote environmental sustainability.
He informed the graduating students that the knowledge and skills acquired were vital for Nigeria’s sustainable development and urged them to promote sustainable agricultural practices.
“In recognition of the exceptional performance of some of our graduating students, the Ministry of Environment has approved employment offers for the two best Higher National Diploma (HND) graduates and the two best National Diploma (ND) graduates in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Technology.
” These outstanding students have demonstrated excellence throughout their academic journeys, and we believe they will be valuable assets in our Ministry’s ongoing efforts to protect and manage Nigeria’s forests and natural resources,” he said.
In his remarks, the Provost of the College, Dr Ibrahim Lawal, said that the college established in 1939 had pioneered many aspects of forestry education in Nigeria and beyond.
Lawal, who congratulated the graduands, said the college had equipped them with necessary knowledge and skills in their different programmes to make them outstanding among their peers in the labour market.
“Our programmes are practical intensive and these graduands have been empowered in various aspect of forestry and agro-forestry techniques,” the provost said.
Lawal urged them to use the knowledge and skills acquired to make positive and developmental contributions and services for the improvement of forestry services and environment in their different communities.
Also speaking, the Director-General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Mr Zacharia Yaduma, commended the management team of the college, and pledged the continued support of the institute to the college to achieve its mandates.
Yaduma urged the graduands to effectively put into use the knowledge and skills acquired into practice as they passed out of the college.
“The rigorous practical session that you have passed through have built you to be self- employed in this era of socioeconomic and environmental challenges in Nigeria in particular and world at large,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to best students and other individuals for their contributions to the college.(NAN)
