Nigerians have been encouraged to take advantage of scientific advancements to domesticate lost tree species.
A lecturer from the Department of Environmental Management and Toxicology at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Dr. Deji Adejumo made the call as the world commemorates the 2025 International Day of Forests
Dr. Adejumo highlighted the critical roles forests play, such as contributing to food production, providing fuel, income, and employment, enriching soil fertility, protecting water resources, and offering habitats for biodiversity
In line with this year’s theme, “Forests and Food,” Dr. Adejumo pointed out that forests provide various food sources, including vegetables, spices, honey, nuts, fruits, tubers, seeds, mushrooms, oils, and drinks
He named specific trees that provide these food sources, such as the African star apple (agbalumo), bitter kola, baobab, African nutmeg (ario), locust beans, shea, and bush mango.
Dr. Adejumo emphasized that research institutes in Nigeria have successfully domesticated many of these trees due to their economic and medicinal value.
He encouraged Nigerians to cultivate these trees and their seedlings to preserve and utilize them effectively.
The forest economist also noted that human activities such as deforestation for construction, firewood, and furniture have contributed to the destruction of forests calling, for regular tree planting to counteract this damage.
Since 2012, the United Nations General Assembly has designated March 21 as International Day of Forests to celebrate and raise awareness about the importance of forests.
Forests help maintain healthy ecosystems by supporting pollinators, retaining water, providing shade for livestock, regulating temperatures, acting as natural wind barriers, and enhancing rainfall for agriculture
