UNIZIK Establishes Africa’s First Bamboo Research Institute

By Praise Chinecherem

The Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State in conjunction with International Network on Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR), Federal Ministry of Environment and a Non-Governmental Organization, Sustainable TransEnvironment International Foundation (STEi Foundation); has inaugurated the first university-based Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development Institute (SIBRED) to service 16 African countries.

The event, held at UNIZIK where the institute is domiciled, was chaired by Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako with the Vice Chancellor of UNIZIK, Prof. Charles Esimone, as the Chief Host while the co-hosts were the Federal Director of Forestry at Federal Ministry of Environment Abuja, Mrs. Hajara Sami, Regional Director for INBAR West African Office in Ghana, Mr. Michael Kwaku and Director of INBAR Central Africa Regional Office (CARO) – Mr. Rene Kaam.

INBAR is an intergovernmental organization established November 6, 1997 by China and eight other nations with the goal of improving the social, economic and environmental benefits of bamboo and rattan.

Vice Chancellor of Dominion University, Ibadan, Prof. Abel Olorunnisola, an INBAR’s Global Taskforce member on Sustainable Bamboo Management described the choice of the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Bamboo Value Chains for Sustainable Development” as apt given the fact that the continent is yet to tap into the huge potential of bamboo.

He said, “Bamboo value chain from farmers to markets can aid sustainable development in Africa in several ways. Commercial bamboo farming which involved cultivation, lanting, maintenance and harvesting, has the potential to create thousands of jobs.

“A bamboo plantation of 1000 hectares can provide about 30,000 tons of wood resources, and thus render unnecessary the cutting of over 50, 000 hardwood trees per year”.

“The challenge of wood scarcity in Africa can be readily addressed by substituting wood with bamboo in the production of furniture, floor parquet, wall siding, match stick, tooth pick, plywood, particleboard, fibreboard, tissue paper, writing paper, paperboard, etc.”

The Chairman of the occasion and Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Ishaq Salako represented by Director Forestry in the ministry, Mrs Hajara Sami, pledged Federal Government’s commitment towards ensuring Nigeria began to take advantage of bamboo value chain especially in its fight against climate change.

“This institute will help towards curbing youth unemployment and promote value addition and aid technology in bamboo and rattan sector as well as boosting policies towards the attainment of sustainable industrial innovation and green economy in West Africa and Central Africa”.

In a remark, Chief Host and UNIZIK Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone described the event as historic milestone for the Ivory Tower, expressing joy that the institution which had nurtured generations of leaders in various disciplines, would also nurture SIBRED to global reckoning.

“Today, through the initiative and tireless efforts of two of our sustainable development researchers, John Agbo Ogbodo of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife and Professor of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Prof. Ejetuluchukwu Obi, the first university-based Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development Institute has become operational in Africa under my administration as the sixth substantive Vice Chancellor.

“I have no doubt that this new Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development, (SIBRED) would become the leading citadel of learning and research that would turn bamboo science and engineering discoveries into widespread economic benefits in the African continent”.

The Founding Director of the Institute, Mr John Agbo, who described his appointment as an uncommon one in the history of the institution, appreciated the Vice Chancellor for ensure their vision became a reality.

“SIBRED aims at promoting bamboo research for innovations, industrialization and entrepreneurship development in Africa. As a professional forester, I can confidently say that “the whisper of bamboo in African forests has now become a roar like a lion”.

“Asian nations especially, China garners the largest portion of benefits from bamboo-based sectors including everything from luxury flooring and cuisines to paper manufacturing and scaffolding. Hence, there is dire demand for bamboo as raw materials. But, prior to SIBRED establishment, there is no such bamboo research entity in Africa. Congratulation, Nigeria, Congratulations, UNIZIK,” he explained.

The SIBRED’s Co – Initiator and Deputy Provost of the College of Health Sciences, Nnewi, Prof. Ejetuluchukwu Obi, was also happy over the birth of the vision, while the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Cui Jianchun, who regretted his inability to attend the event, affirmed China as a leading country in bamboo sector development.

Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Army, Rt. Hon. David Agada Ogewu, and the member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Prof. Lilian Oby Ogboru, congratulated the institute on the feat.

Goodwill messages poured in from Ms. Diana Doheny, an international board member of INBAR from USA, INBAR West Africa, Ghana, the Chairperson of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA), Anambra State Command, Mrs. Bolanle Adeoye, represented by the Treasurer, Mrs. Melody Obili.

Others include the Director General, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), represented by the Coordinator in Anambra State, Mr Emmanuel Hussaini, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council, Dara Chijioke Okechukwu, National Environmental Standards & Regulations Enforcement Agency, (NESREA), the Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutsinma in Katsina State, Prof. A. H. Bichi, his counterpart at Chukwuemeka Odemegu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Prof. Greg Chukwudi Nwakoby, Awka Window on America Directorate in UNIZIK and students of the Federal Science and Technical College, Awka.

The National President of Bamboo and Rattan Farmers Association of Nigeria (B&RFAN), Chief John Ajie Ogwu, the National President of National Association Bamboo, Farmers, Processors and Marketers, Mr. Ukeme Joshua Nyah, the National President; Coconut Farmers Association, Nigeria, Dr. Nma Okorji, as well as recipients of partnership awards.