The Vice-Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada (IUO), Prof. Lawrence Ikechukwu Ezemonye, PhD, FAS, has called on governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide to reflect deeply and renew their commitment to forest stewardship. He reaffirmed the University’s strong dedication to environmental sustainability as a core institutional value.
Prof. Ezemonye, who was represented at the event by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics and Research), Prof. Blessing Ose Oligbi, made the call on Thursday during activities marking the 2026 International Day of Forests at the University in Okada, Edo State. He emphasized that sustainability at IUO is not just academic discourse but a “living principle” deeply embedded in the institution’s daily operations.
Highlighting the global significance of forests, Prof. Ezemonye noted that they cover about 31 percent of the Earth’s land surface and harbour over 80 percent of terrestrial biodiversity. Despite their critical role, he warned that forests are facing unprecedented threats from human activities.
He revealed that an estimated 10 million hectares of forests are lost annually to deforestation and degradation. He added that Nigeria remains one of the countries with the highest deforestation rates in Africa, according to consistent reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
Prof. Ezemonye cautioned that the consequences of forest loss are severe, including increased flooding, desertification, ecosystem collapse, community displacement, and accelerated climate change.
“This commemoration is not merely ceremonial; it is a clarion call to action,” he declared.
He urged all stakeholders within and beyond the university to intensify solution-driven research, adopt sustainable practices, engage local communities, and foster collaboration with government, civil society, and international partners to bridge the gap between knowledge and practical action.
Earlier, the Director of the Centre for Climate Change and Sustainable Development Goals at IUO, Prof. Spencer Nwangwu, underscored the global forest crisis. He attributed ongoing deforestation to agricultural expansion, urbanisation, illegal logging, and unsustainable consumption patterns. He stressed that the observance should inspire concrete actions rather than remain symbolic.
In a keynote address titled “Forests as Climate Assets,” the Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, Barr. Nosa Adams (represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Enodolomwanyi Otamere), described forest protection as vital to human survival. He highlighted that the state government has taken concrete steps to preserve forest resources, including the establishment of the Edo State Forestry Commission.
The event featured goodwill messages and technical sessions that reinforced the need for collective responsibility. It concluded with a symbolic tree-planting exercise.
The International Day of Forests is observed annually on March 21, following its proclamation by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012.
