A professor of Geography, Adesola Ogidiolu has called on the government at all levels to significantly step up investment in forest development and management to combat insecurity, and unemployment across the country.
Professor Adesola Ogidiolu disclosed this on Tuesday while delivering the 18th inaugural lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, titled "Geographers in the Forest: Issues, Concerns and Tasks".
In his thought-provoking presentation on environmental sustainability and the critical role of geographers in forest management, Professor Ogidiolu examined the complex relationship between humans and the natural environment, with particular focus on forest ecosystems, resource management and sustainable development.
He emphasized that forests remain indispensable to human survival, providing economic value, ecological balance, climate regulation and livelihood support, if properly harnessed.
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Unfortunately, he said , the neglect of forest resources has created ungoverned spaces that are increasingly being exploited by criminal elements in the society .
Professor Ogidiolu says : "Forests have inadvertently become safe havens for criminal activities due to poor accessibility and limited surveillance.
"This is precisely why government must invest in modern monitoring technologies and proper forest management systems to reclaim these spaces and enhance national security.
"The time is now to deploy technology and skilled manpower to identify and dislodge those who use our forests as hideouts to terrorise citizens
"At the same time, we must unlock the economic potential of forests to create jobs, reduce poverty, and drive sustainable development".
Prof. Ogidiolu , however lamented the effect of human activities on our forest , stressing that Nigeria remains amongst countries with high rates of deforestation, driven by agricultural expansion, logging, urbanization and overdependence on fuelwood.
While he noted that the consequences of forest loss include biodiversity depletion, climate change, soil degradation, food insecurity and disruption of livelihoods, professor Ogidiolu urged Nigerians to take trees as "friends", and "water, protect and preserve them", for the survival of mankinds.
In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman commended Prof. Ogidiolu for delivering a timely and impactful lecture, noting that the topic addresses critical global and local environmental challenges, including climate change and ecological imbalance.
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He described the first inaugural lecture under his administration as a defining moment in the intellectual tradition of the University, reaffirming the institution's commitment to academic excellence and intellectual engagement.
"Inaugural lectures are defining moments of scholarship and institutional prestige, serving as a bridge between the university and society. We are determined to reposition this tradition as a vibrant and impactful component of our academic culture", he said.
Professor Ogbo charged the Inaugural Lecture Committee to sustain the momentum by encouraging more Professors to participate, assuring the University community of his administration's unwavering commitment to academic excellence, institutional growth.
He said the University Senate has approved a structured schedule to deliver more inaugural lectures by October 2027, as part of efforts to strengthen scholarship and intellectual engagement within the University.
The event, attracted members of the academic community, stakeholders and guests, amongst others.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a certificate and plague to Professor Adesola Ogidiolu by the university authorities to mark and celebrate his academic excellence.
