…As FUNAAB Hosts Institute’s 16th National Conference
The Nigerian Institute of Landscape Horticulturists (NILH), on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, during the Opening Ceremony of its 16th National Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) bestowed honours on the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB); FUNAAB’s 4th Substantive Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oluwafemi Olaiya Balogun and the Ogun State government.
Other recipients of the NILH Awards were, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo; former Vice-Chancellor, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Prof. Steve Afolami; Former Provost, Federal College of Education (FCE), Osiele, Dr. Ayodele Ajayi and Chief Christopher Bamkole.
The Conference, themed “Urban Greenery and Beautification as a Strategy for Control of Environmental Pollution and Climate Change,” is aimed at addressing the pressing environmental challenges locally and globally.
While receiving the Esteemed Institutional Recognition Award on behalf of FUNAAB, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde expressed gratitude for the recognition and invited participants to explore the University campus, highlighting its aesthetic appeal and well-maintained lawns.
Speaking at the event, the National President, NILH, Alhaji Kolawole Quadri recalled the growing environmental concerns affecting mankind, animals, and sustainable development, prompting the chosen conference theme.
In his Welcome Address, the State Chapter Chairman of the Institute, Mr. Emmanuel Bankole underscored the theme’s significance, stressing the role of urban greenery and beautification in combating environmental pollution and climate change.
According to him, the utilisation of urban greenery and beautification are veritable tools to evolve sustainable and practical initiatives to purify the environment and make it safer for everyone and the generation yet unborn.
In his Goodwill Message, the Senator representing Ogun West Senatorial District and Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola encouraged Horticulturists to delve into both the botanical and physical aspects of horticulture, emphasising the social and emotional dimensions for community benefit.
Popularly known as Yayi, Senator Adeola who was represented by the Bobajiro of Yewaland and a one-time Commissioner for Agriculture in Ogun State, Prof. Tope Popoola charged the Institute to develop skill acquisition in the various aspects of horticulture, including Arboriculture, Pomology, and Floriculture among others, stressing that this would assist real professionals and separate the quacks from the trained landscape horticulturists.
Earlier, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, who was represented by the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Bolu Owotomo called for a critical assessment of Earth’s resource utilisation to prevent environmental disruption amidst development. He stressed that a well-designed urban landscape not only enhances aesthetics but also contributes to physical well-being and mental health.
According to the Governor, a well-designed and beautiful urban landscape is not just about aesthetics but it increases and promotes physical, quality of life, and mental well-being for all.
In her Keynote Speech, the Provost, Federal College of Agriculture, Moor Plantation, Ibadan, Dr. Olukemi Augustus who was represented by Mrs. Oyeyemi Oni of the Horticultural Technology Department of the same institution, highlighted environmental pollution as a global public health concern requiring urgent intervention, such as the ongoing conference.
Present at the event were the Ogun State Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, TPL Olatunji Odunlami; Provost, FCE, Osiele, Dr. Rafiu Soyele; representative of the Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, the Director, Environmental Conservation & Resources Management, Mrs. Mary Durojaiye.
Others are, representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, Prof. Olugbenga Idowu; Director, Centre of Excellence in Agriculture Development and Sustainable Environment (CEADESE), Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi; Representative of the Dean, College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) and Deputy Dean of COLPLANT, Prof. Waheed Salau; Head of Department, Horticulture, Prof. Lateef Hameed as well as several members of the Institute from all over the country.
