Deforestation: Obaseki To Inaugurate Edo Forestry Commission On June 7

The Commission headed by Edward Obiaw as Acting Chairman will be inaugurated at the Okomu National Park in Udo, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the State.

The inauguration is expected to bring together stakeholders in the forestry ecosystem including international organisations, research institutes, zoological parks, non-governmental organisations, the academia, wood processing companies, plantation partners, oil palm companies, timber associations, bench millers, and traditional rulers, among others.

Guests expected at the inauguration are Prof. M.E Isikhuemen, a Professor of Forest Resources and Wildlife Management at the University of Benin (UNIBEN); Mr. Abraham Baffoe, Africa Regional Director, Proforest; Mr. Tunde Morakinyo, Executive Director, Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation, and Dr. Chris Okafor, Senior Program Manager Sustainable Trade Investment (IDH).

Others are Mr. Rasheed Sarumi, – Chairman, ESOPP Agro Allied Limited; Mr. Billy Ghansah, Agric. Coordinator, Okomu Oil Palm Company; Mr. Lawrence Osaze, the Conservator of Park, Okomu National Park and Mr. Friday Aiguokhian, the Chairman, Edo State Sawmillers Association.

According to the Acting Chairman of the Commission, “Forest reserves were set aside for countless reasons including preserving natural resources for future generations. However, over the years, human activities have led to the loss and degradation of forest lands and the forest reserves in Edo State are not left out.

“To reverse this trend, sustainable management of our forest resources, regeneration of degraded forest lands, and conservation of our natural forest resources must be carried out strategically.

“It is for this reason that the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki, saw the establishment of the Edo State Forestry Commission by law assented to on the 2nd of November, 2022.”

He added, “This Commission will be inaugurated by His Excellency on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, to drive the government’s plan for the conservation, management, and development of Edo forests.”