By Christiana Ushang
CALABAR (CONVERSEER) – The Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) has entered into a strategic partnership with the Processed Wood Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (PROWPMAN) to implement a large-scale Sustainable Green Project aimed at revitalising forest reserves across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Commission, Ntufam Rt. Hon. Deacon George Oben-Etchi, PhD, and the National President of PROWPMAN, Chief Ademola Christopher Oyaleke. The agreement seeks to afforest 5,000 hectares of land in Oban Forest, Akamkpa Local Government Area (South); Edondon Forest, Obubra Local Government Area (Central); and Alifokpa in Yala Local Government Area (North).
Chief Oyaleke described the initiative as a milestone for sustainable forestry in Nigeria. He explained that the project is designed to promote sustainable forest practices, enhance biodiversity, mitigate the effects of climate change, and support community development. He commended the leadership of the CRSFC for its consistent support, noting that this partnership represents PROWPMAN’s most successful afforestation initiative nationwide.
In his remarks, Hon. Oben-Etchi expressed delight at the partnership, calling it a significant step towards restoring and sustaining the state’s forest resources.
“We want Cross Riverians to know that conscious efforts are being made through tree planting to reclaim our forest reserves. With this MOU, we now have a working document and reference point for future generations,” he said.
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He assured PROWPMAN of the Commission’s commitment to transparency, promising that progress reports would be made public to demonstrate the state’s achievements in forest conservation and management.
The Director of Forestry, Mr Donatus Adie, lauded the initiative, encouraging other stakeholders to support afforestation efforts rather than rely solely on government action.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Cross River Chapter, Dr Emmanuel A. Ugbong, commended the Commission for providing security during fieldwork. He expressed optimism that the project would boost afforestation, regeneration, and ecosystem restoration across the state.
On behalf of PROWPMAN’s Cross River Chapter, the Secretary, Mr Babatunde Williams, revealed that over 25,000 seedlings have already been planted in Oban, Akamkpa LGA, as part of the project’s 5,000-hectare pilot phase. He expressed gratitude to the Commission for its continuous support and collaboration.
The Vice President of PROWPMAN, Chief Dosunmi Adetola, thanked the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for approving the project and providing essential logistics for its commencement.
Hon. Oben-Etchi concluded by revealing that the Commission is preparing a proposal to the State Executive Council and House of Assembly to amend the state’s forestry law to mandate tree planting as environmental buffers on all cocoa and palm estates. He expressed confidence that the partnership with PROWPMAN and FAN would endure and significantly expand the state’s forest cover.
