By Emeka Oluka & Femi Dansu
The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) on Thursday, March 14, 2024, hosted the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists (NILH) South-West Zonal Meeting.
Declaring the meeting opened, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde welcomed participants and reiterated the University’s rating by the Times Higher Education as the best University of Agriculture in Africa and the 7th best University of Agriculture in the world.
Prof. Kehinde underscored the beautiful landscape feature of FUNAAB and attributed the topographic beauty to years of hard work of the staff of the Directorate of Environmental Management (DEM).
He noted that the founding fathers of the University appreciated the beauty of a good environment, which informed the decision to have a campus that would be a delight to anybody who appreciates a clean and serene environment.
He promised that the University would preserve the legacy of a beautiful environment, as he counts on the support of NILH in sustaining this.
Prof. Kehinde described the Nigeria Institute of Landscape Horticulturists (NILH) as a very unique one. He charged members of the institute not to be tired but to keep to the good work which they are known for.
He submitted that the Association needs to enlighten the populace on the gospel of environmental cleanliness, and wished them successful deliberations.
The National President of NILH, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole in his Opening Remark welcomed members of the Association and thanked the Management for its support when needed.
Mr. Bankole charged members of the Association to be more proactive and promote the beauty of Horticulture and Landscaping in Nigeria.
In attendance were the Acting Registrar, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Dawodu; the National Secretary, NILH, Mr. Donatus Ilem; the State Chairman, NILH, Mr. Taiwo Akinbiyi; the Immediate Past President of the Association, Alhaji Kola Quadri, as well as Heads of Parks and Gardens of universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, colleges of agriculture and recreation centres from the five states in the South West.
