An indigenous trees park has been created by the University of Ibadan to commemorate the University’s 75th Anniversary.
The University Management had earlier allocated a portion of land for the tree planting exercise as part of the activities to celebrate UI@ 75.
The symbolic tree planting at the park has been held along Benue Road, opposite former ARCIS.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode O. Adebowale, mni, FAS, noted that the whole world is no doubt moving towards the greeness of the environment to counter the effects of the negative activities resulting from the destruction of forests.
He said the University of Ibadan took the decision to establish the park in order to establish the equilibrium of nature to prevent excess carbon dioxide and subsequent global warming.
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The Vice-Chancellor thanked the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources for spearheading the project, for its renewal of Awba Dam towards the generation of water for municipal use and for helping to eradicate the blackworms that invaded some trees on the campus earlier in the year.
The Deputy Vice-Chancellor Administration and Chairman of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, FNPA, had earlier stated that the idea of the indigenous trees park was mooted to mitigate the effects of climate change.
He said the park would provide greenery to enable members of the community to relax and enjoy nature.
The Head of the Department of Forest Production and Products, Professor A. O. Omole said the maintenance of the environment has become more challenging, but we should always strive to create a green environment rather than leave the environment bushy.
He appreciated the University for giving his Faculty and especially his department the opportunity to contribute to the greening of the University campus.
Professor Omole explained that the centrally located Park when fully functional, would include recreational facilities to give people the opportunity to be close to nature with its expected canopy closure. He also stated that it would include an arboretum where seeds and seedlings of indigenous trees would be sold.
He promised that the staff and students of the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources would ensure the success of the park project and that it is of global standards without burdening the University.
Members of the UI@75 Anniversary Committee that were at the ceremony were afforded the opportunity to plant and adopt a tree each.
The native trees to be planted are Opepe ( Nauclea diderichii); Mahogany (khaya senegalensia); African pear (dacrodyes edulis); Obeche (triplochyton scheloxylon); and Afera ( terminalia superba)
