FUNAAB Botany Department Marks International Plant Appreciation Day with Conservation Drive

The Department of Pure and Applied Botany at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta has commemorated the 2026 International Plant Appreciation Day with a renewed push for sustainable plant conservation and increased public awareness.

The event, held on April 13, brought together academics, researchers, and students to highlight the ecological, medicinal, and economic importance of plants, while stressing the urgent need to protect biodiversity.

Representing the Dean of the College of Biosciences, Iyabode Kehinde, the Deputy Dean, Kehinde Ademolu, commended the department for organising the programme, describing it as aligned with the university’s broader commitment to academic excellence and capacity development. He underscored the critical role of plants in healthcare, environmental sustainability, and natural medicine, while reaffirming the college’s support for research-driven initiatives.

In a keynote lecture titled “Celebrating Nigerian Plant Heritage: The Beauty, Benefits, and Future of Our Native Plants,” the Provost of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, Ibrahim Lawal, described plants as foundational to human existence and deeply embedded in cultural, spiritual, and scientific systems. He emphasised Nigeria’s rich plant biodiversity and urged students to take active roles in research, conservation, and sustainable utilisation, noting that plant resources remain central to emerging global shifts toward organic and natural solutions.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Ammila Trado Medical Academy, Benjamin Ige, warned of increasing threats to plant species driven by urbanisation, agricultural expansion, and overexploitation. He described plants as essential to human survival, citing their role in food production, medicine, oxygen supply, and shelter. He further highlighted the dependence of both traditional and modern medical systems on plant-based resources, urging greater investment in conservation and sustainable practices.

Earlier, the Acting Head of Department, Olusegun Fawibe, said the celebration was not only symbolic but a call to action. He stressed that plants remain central to ecological balance and human survival, while raising concerns about deforestation, climate change, habitat loss, and unsustainable exploitation. He called for strengthened research efforts and wider public engagement to safeguard plant resources for future generations.

The event attracted former college deans, including David Agboola and Oluseyi Akinloye, alongside department heads and researchers. Activities featured exhibitions and awards presented to outstanding students in recognition of academic performance and contributions to the field.