Over 10m hectares of forest lost annually – VC

Lawrence Ezemonye, Professor and Vice Chancellor of Igbinedion University, Okada, has raised concerns over the alarming rate of deforestation globally, revealing that over 10 million hectares of forest are lost annually.

Ezemonye disclosed this during an event marking the International Day of Forests at the university in Okada, Edo State, stressing that Nigeria remains highly vulnerable to the crisis.

Citing data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the Vice Chancellor noted that Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest deforestation rates in Africa, with far-reaching environmental and economic implications.

He warned that the consequences of forest depletion are already evident in increased flooding, desertification, ecosystem collapse, displacement of communities, and the acceleration of climate change.

According to him, the annual observance of the International Day of Forests should go beyond ceremonial activities, describing it as a critical call to action for governments, institutions, and individuals.

“As a University, we bear a unique responsibility as custodians of knowledge and incubators of solutions,” Ezemonye said, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability as both an academic focus and operational principle.

Delivering the keynote address, Nosa Adams, Edo State Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, represented by Permanent Secretary, Victor Otamere, emphasised that forests remain vital climate assets and must be protected to safeguard human survival.

He added that the State Government had taken steps to strengthen forest conservation through the establishment of the Edo State Forestry Commission to enhance sustainable forest management.

Also speaking, Valentine Asuen, Chairman of the Commission, represented by Area Forest Officer, Joan Omosigho, acknowledged the persistent challenges of deforestation despite the immense ecological and economic benefits forests provide, urging citizens to act as stewards of the environment.

Earlier, Spencer Nwangwu, Professor and Director of the Centre for Climate Change and SDGs, described global forests as being in crisis, driven by agricultural expansion, urbanisation, illegal logging, and rising consumption patterns, calling for collective commitment to reversing forest loss.