AAUA Inaugural Lecture: Prof. Gbadamosi Raises Concerns about Deforestation, Advocates for Revival of Paper Mills
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State - In a thought-provoking address during the 22nd Inaugural Lecture at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Professor Alaba Gbadamosi, a distinguished scholar in Silviculture and Plant Biotechnology, sounded the alarm on the perilous state of global deforestation and its dire consequences for the planet.
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Delivering his lecture titled "The Earth's Heating Mantle: Forest to the Rescue," Prof. Gbadamosi underscored the urgent need for concerted action to combat deforestation, which he identified as a significant driver of climate change, biodiversity loss, and the emergence of new diseases.
Highlighting the critical importance of environmental health to global well-being and economic prosperity, Prof. Gbadamosi emphasized that unchecked destruction of the earth's forests and biodiversity poses a severe threat to the ecosystem and human existence.
He called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders and relevant agencies to address the root causes of environmental degradation and mitigate the adverse effects of deforestation. Proposing immediate measures, Prof. Gbadamosi advocated for the halt of deforestation activities, promotion of small-scale forest holdings, resuscitation of efficient forestry services, and public enlightenment on the dangers of indiscriminate bush burning.
Furthermore, he stressed the pivotal role of forests and trees in addressing environmental challenges, advocating for the restoration of degraded lands, expansion of agroforestry, and adoption of sustainable forest management practices.
In addressing poverty indices in tropical nations, particularly those with significant forest resources, Prof. Gbadamosi highlighted the potential of forests and trees to enhance sustainable economies and alleviate poverty.
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Drawing attention to the drying up of river basins and environmental conflicts such as farmers/herders clashes exacerbated by environmental degradation, Prof. Gbadamosi urged governments at all levels to prioritize the revival of moribund paper mills across the country. He emphasized the need to curb capital flight associated with the importation of pulp and paper products by leveraging existing paper mills.
In his introductory remarks, the Vice Chancellor of Adekunle Ajasin University, Prof. Olugbenga Ige, underscored the importance of Inaugural Lectures as platforms for disseminating research findings and offering solutions to contemporary challenges. He commended Prof. Gbadamosi for his significant contributions to academia and society and urged continued collaboration in addressing environmental issues.
Prof. Gbadamosi's inaugural lecture serves as a clarion call for urgent action to protect and preserve the earth's forests, emphasizing the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability, economic development, and human well-being.
