Nigeria will lose
Nigeria will lose exotic plant species if forests’ abuse
continues – Odusote
The Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Environmet,
Mrs Ibukun Odusote says future looks very gloomy for Nigerian
forests due to the over-exploitation of economic trees and other
vital forests resources.
Mrs. Odusote Stated this in Abuja today, on the occasion of the
“2019 International Day of Forests.”
She noted that this year’s celebration – “Forests and Education”
as well as its slogan “Learn to Love our Forests” clearly
re-inforces the need to educate ourselves on the importance of the
forests and learn how to appreciate and use them for our benefits
as well the benefits of the unborn generation.
“In line with the theme, the choice of this venue ( Cyprian
Ekwensi Centre For Arts and Culture, Abuja) named after one of
Nigeria’s renowned lovers of arts and culture further creates an
opportunity for us to re-learn about our National Flower, the
Yellow Trumpet (Costus spectabilis).
“Of all our national treasures, I dare say that this is the most
unrecognized and most mis-represented. This yellow flower has been
consistently wrongfully represented as red in some of our Coat of
Arms.
“Worst still, the plant that used to be ubiquitous and can be
found virtually in every part of the country – which is the reason
it was chosen as our national flower besides its multiple use – is
now endangered and can only be found as relics in very few areas,”
she added.
Mrs. Odusote, further stated that her Ministry has structured
this year’s presentation to focus on reminding us of the likelihood
of losing our indigenous and iconic plant species if we continue to
treat our forests resources as what we would have in perpetuity, if
no conscious effort is made to use them sustainably.
Dignitaries who gave their goodwill remarks at the event,
recalled that there was a time in most tropical countries,
especially in Nigeria, when forest and its abundant resources
contributed significantly in sustaining our national economy until
the discovery of oil.
Though, that era has since gone, they pledged to advocate for
endangered Nigerian forests and its beneficial resources for
economic growth.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted and delared March 21
of every year as International Day of Forests to raise awareness on
the importance of protecting all types of forests for sustainable
development. (END)
Signed
Saghir El Mohammed
Director Press