Senator Adeola Charges Horticulturists To Help Control Environmental Pollution

The Distinguished Senator gave the charge as the Guest Speaker at the 16th National Conference and Annual General meeting of National Institute of Landscape Horticulturist, Ogun State Chapter.

Senator Adeola, who eventually made a donation of N500, 000 to the Institute, was ably represented by Prof. Tope Popoola at the event.

In his address, the Distinguished Senator said, “I appreciate your kindness extending invitation to me as a Special Guest of Honour to the Institute’s 16th National Conference and Annual General meeting”.

“Your choice of theme is very apt at this time when the issue of environmental pollution control and climate change is taking the centre stage in world affairs.”

“The 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC, more commonly referred to as COP28, i.e  the 28th United Nations Climate Change conference, will hold from 30 November until 12 December 2023, at the Expo City, Dubai; Just a few days away. In actual fact some pre sessions are currently holding.

2023 COP 28 will focus on four paradigm shifts:

• Fast-tracking the energy transition and slashing emissions before 2030;

• Transforming climate finance, by delivering on old promises and setting the framework for a new deal on finance;

• Putting nature, people, lives, and livelihoods at the heart of climate action; and

• Mobilizing for the most inclusive COP ever.

Back home in Nigeria and related to my national assignment,

The National Council on Climate change Act 2021 was passed in 2021.  This Act provides a framework for mainstreaming of Climate Change actions, provide for a system of carbon budgeting and the establishment of the National Council on Climate Change. The Council has the President Federal Republic of Nigeria as its Chairman, the VP as the Vice, the Minister of Environment and several other Ministers as members of the Council. The DG National Council for Climate Change as its Secretary. All State Governors are represented by the Chairman, Nigeria, Governors Forum.”

“Horticulture by itself is a practical and applied science, which means it can have a significance in our everyday lives. Studies over the years, have shown that nature has a very positive impact over human health and even more so in an emotional and psychological sense.

Trees, grass, and flower gardens, due to their presence as well as visibility, increase people’s life’s satisfaction by reducing fatigue, irritation and restoring a sense of calm. In fact a scientist tested the restorative value of natural scenes in urban settings and discovered that vegetation in an urban setting produced more mental restoration as opposed to areas without vegetation.”

“In addition, areas with only nature did not have as much of a positive psychological impact as did the combination of urban areas and nature

One of the obvious health benefits of gardening and environmental beautification is the increased intake of fruits and vegetables. The act of gardening itself, is also a major health benefit. Gardening is a low-impact exercise, which when added into daily activities, can help reduce weight, lower stress, and improve overall health.”

“A recent study showed a reduced body mass index and lower weight in community gardeners compared with their non-gardening counterparts.The study showed men who gardened had a body mass index 2.36 lower and were 62% less likely to be overweight than their neighbours, while women were 46% less likely to be overweight with a body mass index 1.88 lower than their neighbours. We all know the dangers of not keeping a normal or near normal BMI (Obesity, Diabetics, High blood pressure etc.    Access to urban gardens can improve health through nutritious, edible plantings,

In order to understand and thereby maximize the benefits of urban horticulture, it is essential to document the effects of horticultural activities and quantify the benefits so that governments and private industries can make the appropriate changes where and when necessary.

I am aware that Horticulturists have always been involved in the botanical and physical aspects of horticulture but an involvement in its social and emotional factors would be highly beneficial to communities, This I want to challenge your Institute to encourage. I also want to encourage your institute to encourage skill acquisition in the various aspects of Horticulture including arboriculture, pomology, Floriculture etc. This will develop real professionalism and separate the quacks from the trained landscape horticulturist.”

“It is indeed a thing of joy that your Institute is coming up at this time. In the 1970s International Society for Horticultural Science of the USA recognized this need for research on the functional use of plants in urban setting along with the need of improved communication between scientists who utilize plants for recreational purposes. Consequently, the Commission for Urban Horticulture was established in 1982 which deals with plants grown in urban areas and are of tremendous health benefits to urban dwellers.”

“I have a strong feeling that in the nearest future, for your institute to perform effectively and efficiently, a Legislative approval may be required. When you get to that stage, whatever assistance we need to give to the institute we shall give.

In the meantime, I plead that you cooperate with government and her agencies in fighting with the menace of environmental pollution.”