FRIN Seeks Olubadan’s Support for Forestry Development

News in brief:

-FRIN has requested royal intervention to tackle land encroachment and regulatory bottlenecks affecting its operations.

-The Olubadan pledged collaboration and support for forestry research, education and product commercialisation.

The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) has sought the support of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, to advance forestry development and address operational challenges confronting the institute.

This formed part of discussions during a courtesy visit by a high-level FRIN delegation led by the Director-General, Zacharia Yaduma, to the monarch in Ibadan.

According to a statement, the visit was to congratulate the Olubadan on his coronation and to strengthen institutional ties between FRIN and the ancient city of Ibadan.

Yaduma stated that the institute considered Ibadan strategic to its mandate, given its long-standing presence and historical contribution to forestry research, education and innovation in Nigeria.

Key Challenges Facing FRIN

During the engagement, the DG highlighted several challenges affecting the institute’s operations, including land encroachment on FRIN property and the need for regulatory facilitation for its herbal and forest-based products.

He also called for support in the propagation of indigenous tree species to prevent extinction and in the development and commercialisation of FRIN’s forest-based innovations.

Yaduma showcased some of the institute’s notable research breakthroughs and forest-based products, emphasising their potential contribution to environmental sustainability, job creation and economic growth.

Reflecting on his personal connection to the city, Yaduma said his professional career began in Ibadan in 1983, describing the city as central to his development in the forestry sector. He also recalled being honoured with the “Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland” award last year in the presence of the Olubadan.

The Provost of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, Dr Ibraheem Lawal, praised Yaduma for facilitating his appointment as the first indigene of Ibadan to serve as Provost in the college’s 85-year history.

Lawal described the appointment as a milestone that reflected inclusive leadership and institutional growth within FRIN.

Olubadan Pledges Collaboration and Support

In his response, the Olubadan thanked the FRIN delegation for the visit and pledged to intervene in addressing the institute’s challenges.

He promised to collaborate with the institution on future forestry development initiatives and disclosed that his economic team would visit the institute before the end of the month.

The delegation included a member of FRIN’s top management, Alhaji Bola Ashafa. The visit was described as a significant step towards strengthening forestry research, education and sustainable development in Ibadan and beyond.