Prof. Adesola Ogidiolu of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, has stressed the importance of environmental sustainability and the vital role of geographers in forest management.
At the 18th Inaugural Lecture hosted by the university, Ogidiolu explored the intricate relationship between humans and the natural environment, focusing on forest ecosystems, resource management and sustainable development.
In the lecture titled “Geographers in the Forest: Issues, Concerns and Tasks,” held at the University Auditorium, Prof. Ogidiolu highlighted the multidisciplinary nature of geography, describing it as a field that bridges human and physical environments to better understand spatial patterns and ecological interactions.
He said his specialisation in biogeography examined the distribution of plants and animals in relation to environmental factors, playing a key role in ecosystem analysis and management.
The professor identified several critical concerns in forest environments, including forest resource distribution, soil and site productivity, nutrient cycling, vegetation changes, biodiversity conservation, climate change, and the increasing rate of deforestation.
Ogidiolu asserted that forests are essential to human survival, providing economic benefits, ecological balance, climate regulation and livelihood support.
He said Nigeria continues to experience high rates of deforestation due to agricultural expansion, logging, urbanisation and heavy reliance on fuelwood.
According to him, the consequences of deforestation include biodiversity loss, climate change, soil degradation, food insecurity and disruption of livelihoods.
Drawing on his research on forest soil productivity and the growth performance of indigenous tree species, Prof. Ogidiolu demonstrated how environmental factors, including soil nutrients, moisture, and climate, influence forest sustainability. He emphasised the importance of scientific data in effective forest management.
The university don also addressed emerging issues, including forest-related insecurity, the role of forests in poverty reduction, and the need for alternative energy sources to ease pressure on forest resources.
Ogidiolu called for a coordinated approach to sustainable forest management through stronger government policies, improved agricultural practices, and increased public awareness on conservation.
He advocated afforestation, restoration of degraded forests, community participation, and greater recognition of geography in Nigeria’s education system.
Earlier, the chairman of the Inaugural Lecture Committee, Prof. Sunday Salifu Arogba, recalled delivering the university’s maiden inaugural lecture in 2008 under the late Professor Francis Sulaiman Idachaba. He commended the current administration for revitalising the lecture series and congratulated Ogidiolu on the milestone.
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