Professor of Wildlife Management at the Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife, Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Babafemi George Ogunjemite has noted the need for biodiversity conservation in the country as “what we see at nothing today has the potential of being important in the future”.
Prof. Ogunjemite cited an example of how a weed he had picked along the wayside in 1982, Phyllanthus amarus, a plant he dubbed “weed of wasteland”, is now an important plant/herb for controlling high blood pressure and diabetes.
He stated this at the 8th Biodiversity Conference hosted by the Conservation Unit of the Department of Zoology, University of Lagos. With the theme, Biodiversity Conservation in Nigeria: Stakeholders Inclusion and Participation, the conference was organised by the Nigeria Tropical Biology Association (NTBA) and Nigerian Society for Conservation Biology (NSCB).
Delivering the keynote address at the event, the Professor of wildlife management defined biodiversity as living resources (UDEP 1992). He identified Nigeria’s biodiversity profile, ecological landscapes, Centres of Endemism, socio-economic dimensions to biodiversity conservation in Nigeria as well as biodiversity stakeholders in Nigeria.
He further highlighted ways stakeholders can participate in biological resource management. These include: land use planning and management of land resources for conservation, combating deforestation, managing fragile systems, promoting sustainable agriculture and rural development, protection of oceans, coastal areas and the rational use and development of the blue economy, protection of freshwater resources and environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes, solid wastes & sewage-related issues.
Prof. Ogunjemite urged indigenous conservation practitioners to protect Nigeria’s biodiversity through a strong biological conservation strategy. According to him, the strategy must address socioeconomic issues such as population dynamics and sustainability, the need for international cooperation and understanding, domestic policy restructuring, among others. He also called on everyone in the populace to get involved I’m biodiversity conservation.
Declaring the Conference open, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, OON, FAS, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics & Research), Prof. Bola Oboh, re-affirmed the University’s commitment to the preservation of biodiversity, by prioritizing sustainability in its operations, embracing green technologies and integrating environmental considerations into strategic planning.
While pointing out the university’s readiness to delve into urban agriculture as part of its future-ready agenda, the Deputy Vice Chancellor encouraged students to engage in community projects that conserve nature. She also spoke on the establishment of the Centre for Biodiversity Conservation and Ecosystem Management in 2017, a multidisciplinary centre which was adopted by TETFund in 2018. She revealed that internship opportunities exist for students within the centre which can be used locally and internationally.
In her address, the NTBA President, Dr. Fatsuma Olaleru who is also the President-elect of NSCB testified to the importance of biodiversity conservation and the need to work on addressing the challenges of sustainably using biological resources. She added that presentations and discourse at the Conference would lead to workable and profitable decisions to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 which is halting biodiversity loss.
Similarly, the President, NSCB, Dr. Adedotun Afolayan noted that the theme of the conference was germane to the realities on ground and professionals from the Association were in attendance so at to strengthen bonds, share knowledge and embrace the challenges as well as opportunities which lie ahead. She expressed hope that the collaborative efforts of the two associations – NSCB & NTBA – would play a pivotal role in driving progress within the field of conservation in Nigeria; advocating for effective policies which would advance conservation standards and foster a sense of community among conservation professionals.
She also noted that the choice of University of Lagos as host of the 8th Biodiversity Conference was strategic due to the institution’s great conservation efforts within and outside Nigeria.
Prof. J. K. Saliu, while representing the Head of the Conservation Unit of the Department of Zoology, Prof. Rosemary Egonmwan remarked that the human race is at a critical time in history. He urged participants to see conservation as a responsibility of all and not just a few. He further called for the use of resources in a sustainable manner so that future generations will benefit from such resources.
In separate speeches, the Dean, Faculty of Science, Prof. Elijah Oyeyemi harped on the need for collaboration, and mentorship; while the Head, Department of Zoology, Prof. Emmanuel Idowu, expressed optimism that discussions at the Conference would further strengthen biodiversity conservation in Nigeria.
The two Associations presented Excellent Service Awards to deserving members of the associations:
- Dr. Samuel Olajuyigbe of the Department of Forest Protection and Products, Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources, University of Ibadan (NTBA)
- Dr. Tajudeen Amusa of the Department of Forest Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin (NTBA)
- Dr. Oluwakayode Coker of the Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, University of Ibadan (NTBA)
- Dr. Emmanuel Akindele of Obafemi Awolowo University (NTBA)
- Prof. Folaranmi Babalola -the first president of NSCB (2016) and founder of Save Sahara Network (NSCB)
- Prof. Emmanuel Aigbokan of the Department of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, University of Benin. (NSCB)
Goodwill messages were received from Mrs. Helen Oribayo, the representative of the Acting Registrar, Mrs. Olakunle Makinde; Species Conservation Manager, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Stella Egbe and Deputy Director, Lagos State Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, Mrs. Aderonke Kolawole.
The Conference also featured plenary and technical sessions with speeches from the Scientific Director, A. P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Jos, Dr. Talatu Tende and Conservator of Parks, Okomu National Park, Edi state, Mr. Eghosa Osaze; poster and abstract presentations
