By: Adebayo Oluwadamilola
The renewable natural resources students association (RENARSA) on Wednesday, 24th October, 2018 held the maiden personality lecture in celebration of the world sustainability day at the first bank donated auditorium of the former faculty of agriculture and forestry, University of Ibadan. The world sustainability day is usually celebrated on the last Wednesday of October annually.
Professor B.O Omitoyin, the pioneer Dean of the faculty of renewable natural resources and the host of the event gave the welcome address.
The keynote speaker, Prof. Labode Popoola, a professor of forest economics and sustainable development who is currently the vice Chancellor of Osun state University in his keynote address titled “RENEWABLE NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS” emphasized the importance of renewable natural resources on the sustenance and well-being of the human race. He spoke extensively on the sustainable development goals which includes zero hunger, no poverty, good health and well-being, quality education among many others.
The personality lecturer, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Goni, the Conservator General, National Park Services, Abuja who was well represented by O.C Oladipo, the Conservator General, Old Oyo National Park spoke on the issues of climate change and it’s effect on the world at large. He elucidated the impacts and contributions of humans to climate change and also gave some possible ways to curb it. The solutions include but not limited to establishment of parks, use of clean energy like solar energy or wind energy.
The caretaker chairman of RENARSA, Mr Sanni Hassan announced about three capital projects for the association which includes grain boxes, public address system and recycling system and solicited for the support of the dignitaries present at the occasion. The dignitaries present promised to support the association financially but no commitment was made. Prof. Lamidi, the head of department, wildlife and ecotourism promised to create an office space for the Secretariat of the association in the department.
The event also featured presentation of awards to deserving personnels for their immense, notable and magnanimous contributions to the growth of sustainable development and protection of renewable natural resources in Nigeria and the world at large and for the leadership roles they’ve taken to ensure the inception of the faculty of renewable natural resources. The award recipients include Prof Labode Popoola, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Goni, emeritus professor Sunday Seth Ajayi among others.
Chief Isaac Adisa Ishola, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Oyo State and the chairman of the occasion alongside other dignitaries like Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo land and the father of the day, Mrs Ajoke Muhammad Muritala, the vice chairman of MMF and mother of the day among others were unavailably absent.
In attendance were notable personalities like Prof Ladele, Dean of the faculty of agriculture, Prof Labode Popoola, emeritus professor Sunday Seth Ajayi, Prof B.O Omitoyin, Prof A.A Iyaye and many other notable personalities including the distinguished students of the most promising faculty in the world as said by the event coordinator.
