PROF. Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Head of Department, Forest Production and Products, University of Ibadan has called for sustainable forest development in the country because of its diverse benefits.

Ogunsanwo, who made the call on Thursday during the matriculation of the 2018/19 academic session of the Federal College of Forestry (FCF), Ibadan, said that sustainable forest development would improve the nation’s economy.

He defined sustainable development as the development which meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

He said that over 70 per cent of the world, especially the rural people mostly sought their livelihood through forests.

Ogunsanwo, who is also the National Secretary of Forestry Association of Nigeria, listed the benefits of forests to include the environmental, industrial, research, employment, medical, social, and spiritual functions.

“The forest resources should be managed effectively through sustainable development; we should manage the forests well so that the unborn generation will also gain from it.

“We should use the environment in such a way that it will be socially and economically viable and environmentally friendly.

“When you cut a tree, you cut your fresh air but it’s a pity that people do this ignorantly,” he said.

Prof. Adeshola Adepoju, the Director-General of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), advised the students to be more concerned with their future and focus on their studies.

“Anyone found smoking around the bush will be expelled immediately, so desist from it and other social vices; remember the plight of your parents and make them proud.

“You must know the reason you are here, let what brought you here be your focus, know that you are not running the race with anybody but by yourself, so have your pace and maintain it.

“Also, be careful with the friends you keep, they can make you or mar you,” he said.

Adepoju, however, promised that the institution would do its best to make the lives of the students better and improve forestry research in the college and Nigeria at large.

The FCF Provost, Dr Funmi Aderounmu advised the students to shun all forms of social and economic vices, exam malpractice, cultism and indiscipline as the institute would not take it lightly with anyone caught in such acts.

Aderounmu noted that without participating in and passing the school practical, certificates would not be awarded to the student.

She urged them to take their practical sessions seriously.

“Remember that you came here individually and will graduate individually, so don’t allow the negative choices of others to influence yours.

“As this great college marks its 80^th founder’s anniversary, we have resolved by His grace to build upon achievements standards attained by the managements past and bring this college to an enviable height among others in the world.’’

She commended the Nigeria Communications Commissions (NCC) and the Federal Government for supporting and boosting the school’s teaching/research capabilities.

The provost also commended the FRIN’s executive director for his wonderful support in the quest to raise the institution’s standard.

No fewer than 262 matriculated students swore oath of allegiance at the ceremony. (NAN)

– Feb. 28, 2019 @ 16:57 GMT |