In a proactive move to safeguard its forests and combat rising insecurity, the Edo State Government has initiated the screening process for 150 candidates poised to become the region’s first forest police force.
This initiative was unveiled by Governor Godwin Obaseki during the Forest Plantation Strategy Workshop at the Government House in Benin City.
Governor Obaseki highlighted the establishment of the forest police as a strategic response to the persistent security challenges within the state’s forests. He stated, “To confront the issue of forest security, we are currently vetting the inaugural group of 150 individuals for forest police training. By year’s end, we aim to have a dedicated forest police unit operational.”
The governor underscored the severe social, economic, and environmental repercussions of deforestation, stressing the risks it poses not only to the current populace but also to future generations. He addressed the workshop attendees, which included experts from Proforest and the Edo State Oil Palm Project (ESOPP), emphasizing the need for continued efforts to curb deforestation and abuse of forest lands.
Obaseki remarked on the environmental degradation that has led to infrastructure challenges, such as the short lifespan of roads and the prevalence of gullies, which have been exacerbated by the disruption of natural water absorption systems. He pointed out the government’s dilemma in addressing these issues without burdening future generations with debt.
The workshop marks a significant step in the state’s efforts to restructure its forestry system, following the establishment of a forestry commission and the implementation of institutions dedicated to this cause. The governor called for a collective brainstorming to enhance forestry sustainability and the creation of successful plantations.
Highlighting Edo State’s rich environmental diversity, Governor Obaseki called attention to the state’s unique combination of swamps, rainforests, and savannahs, which support a variety of crops. He urged the importance of planting trees for future generations, drawing on the legacy of trees planted decades ago that the state benefits from today.
The governor concluded by emphasizing the critical need to renew forest resources, considering the historical dependence of the local population on the forest for their livelihoods. He lamented the loss of certain traditional soups due to the extinction of specific trees, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
The Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., expressed that the current actions represent overdue measures, stating, “What we are undertaking now should have been initiated three decades ago.” He acknowledged past missteps in forest management, appealing for continued support for the current administration’s projects.
Jonathan Lawani, the Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability, emphasized the timeliness of the workshop, aligning with the government’s commitment to rejuvenate the forestry sector. He remarked, “The Edo State Government is deeply invested in forest plantations as a means to mitigate the adverse effects of overexploitation and alleviate the strain on our natural resources.”
Highlighting the broader implications, Lawani pointed out the intrinsic economic and life-enhancing value of trees, which also play a crucial role in combating climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
