Keep Promise of 25% Forest Cover in Nigeria, Asiodu Tells FG

Bennett Oghifo

Renowned environmentalist and President Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), izoma Philip Asiodu CFR, has charged the federal government to keep a promise it made in the 1980s to return Nigeria “to a situation where 25% of our area is covered by forests.” 

Izoma Asiodu made the call during a press briefing at the Lekki Conservation Centre, as part of activities to mark his 90th birthday.

At the event, he advised young people to join in planting trees and to join environmental conservation clubs in schools.

About Nigeria’s forest cover, Chief Asiodu said, “It was 35% plus, at Independence. It is 3% now. Forests have been destroyed and there’s a world campaign, because until we’re good back to that recommendation of 25% of forest cover, the environment is in danger. Let us not be part of those who destroy the environment.”

He said, “I’m hoping that the government would abandon this immediate self gratification. They should think of children’s children and help to make sure that the money voted for ecology is really channeled to ministries of environment and to NGOs who are trying to make sure the environment is safe.”

About tree-planting, he said, “In schools, we have school nature clubs organized by NCF. They should join, participate. In universities, we also have units and if there is space in their compound they consult everybody, their parents and if they have the space to plant a tree, they should plant it. Not only plant it, but water it and make sure it reaches the point it can survive because when you have trees birds will come, when birds come in the case life is good. And so we would have to contribute to the situation where future generations will be able to live their lives in natural environments. Being able to see that, hear their songs, see butterflies and if they go into the village, see Brooks clear water it will be very good. 

“The NCF is doing its best to replicate this Lekki Conservation Center in every state where they are done. They should participate keeping them on site undamaged and that way we’ll be helping our children and our children’s children.”