By Christiana Ushang
The Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Processed Wood Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (PROWPMAN) for the implementation of a Sustainable Green Project across the three senatorial districts of the state.
However, the agreement, 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, aims to afforest 5000 hectares of land in Oban Forest, Akamkpa Local Government Area (South), Edondon Forest, Obubra Local Government Area (Central), and Alifokpa, Yala Local Government Area (North).
Chief Oyaleke said the initiative is designed to promote sustainable forest practices, enhance biodiversity, support climate change mitigation, and foster community development and livelihood opportunities. He commended the CRSFC leadership for its unwavering support, describing the project as PROWPMAN’s most successful afforestation effort in Nigeria.
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While making his remarks, the CRSFC Chairman, Hon. Oben-Etchi, expressed excitement about the project, calling it a major 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.
Hon. Oben-Etchi assured the National President that the Commission would continue to operate transparently and make its progress public to demonstrate achievements in forest conservation and management.
The Director of Forestry, Mr. Donatus Adie, commended both parties for initiating the project and urged other stakeholders to emulate the effort rather than wait for the government to “do it all.”
Similarly, the Secretary of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Cross River Chapter, Dr. Emmanuel A. Ugbong, praised the Commission for providing security support during fieldwork and expressed optimism that the initiative would boost afforestation, regeneration, and ecosystem restoration in the state.
On behalf of PROWPMAN Cross River State Chapter, the Secretary, Mr. Babatunde Williams, disclosed that the association has planted over 25,000 seedlings in Oban, Akamkpa LGA, as part of its 5,000-hectare pilot phase. He appreciated the Commission for its consistent support and collaboration to move the state forward.
The Vice President of PROWPMAN, Chief Dosunmi Adetola, also thanked the Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for granting the association approval to carry out the project and for providing essential logistics for its takeoff.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Oben-Etchi expressed appreciation to PROWPMAN and by extension FAN that is represented by the Chapter Secretary, for their commitments and revealed that the Commission is drafting a proposal to the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly to incorporate a new clause in the forestry law mandating every cocoa and palm estate to plant trees as environmental buffers.
He assured that the partnership would stand the test of time and significantly expand the state’s forest cover.
