Anambra Govt Pledges Support for SIBRED’s Bamboo Revolution Project

By Praise Chinecherem

ANAMBRA state government has extolled the unwavering commitment of the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development, SIBRED towards revolutionising bamboo value chain in Nigeria and West Africa subregion.

Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu, who made the commendation in Awka during the celebration of the 2024 World Bamboo Day and First Anniversary of SIBRED, noted that SIBRED has emerged as a trailblazer in spearheading ground breaking research, providing transformative education and fostering vibrant entrepreneurship spirit all in a bid to holistically harness the full potential of bamboo and rattan in Africa.

The Commissioner who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Tochukwu Obodogha, remarked, “Through its tireless efforts, SIBRED is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future for our region,” Odimegwu noted.

Odimegwu noted that Anambra State Government has embarked on a bold and ambitious journey towards environmental sustainability borne out of its appreciation of the urgent need to combat climate change, conserve natural resource and foster sustainable development.

“In this endeavour, bamboo stands as a cornerstone of our strategy. Its versatility and myriad benefits make it an invaluable asset in our quest for a greener Anambra.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to SIBRED for its visionary leadership in bamboo research and development. The institute’s work is a testament for the power of innovation and collaboration.

“As a government, we pledge our unwavering support to SIBRED and eagerly anticipate partnering on initiatives that promote the sustainable utilisation of bamboo and rattan throughout Anambra state.

“In commemoration of the 2024 World Bamboo Day, Anambra State Government called on citizens to embrace the bamboo revolution. Let us plant bamboo, utilize bamboo products, and support businesses that champion its sustainable use. Together, we create a greener, more prosperous and resilient Anambra for generation to come,” Odimegwu concluded.

SIBRED’s Founding Director, John Ogbodo, remarked that the gathering was to celebrate the institute’s unwavering commitment to investigating the enormous potential of bamboo a plant that has been heralded as a “super crop” due to its exceptional ecological benefits, sustainability, and versatility.

“It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to the World Bamboo Day Celebration of “Next Generation Bamboo: Solution, Innovation, and Design.” Today’s event is to connect, inspire, and educate the next generation of business owners, activists, and bamboo leaders.

Ogbodo described bamboo as a ray of hope as the world works through the complexity of environmental degradation, social inequality, and climate change.

“Because of its special qualities, it is the perfect answer for sustainable development, encompassing everything from creative product design and community empowerment to reforestation and land restoration.

Ogbodo also spoke of how far SIBRED has gone in its bid to fulfill its purpose of existence. “SIBRED offers PhD, MSc., certificate courses and provides services to stakeholders in the Sahelian Africa countries of: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Gambia, Guinea, Mauritania, Mali, Niger, Nigeria and Senegal including countries that border the Sahelian countries such as: Benin Republic, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Togo.

He played glowing tributes to individuals that had assisted the institute in various ways while also seeking continued partnership to enable the institute pursue its lofty goals and objectivities for 2025. “We need partnership in the area of establishment of Bamboo Forests in Schools through Planting, arts, crafts, trainings and empowerment as well as raising of bamboo seedlings in nursery.

In her goodwill message, the Immediate past Dean of Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka and Chairperson, National Bamboo Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NBFPMAN), Anambra State Chapter, Prof. Nkiru Meludu, appreciated the successes SIBRED had recorded within its first year and pledged the readiness of the Association to sustain mutually beneficial relationship with the institute.

Keynote speech was presented by Leo Yong who spoke on initiative being implemented to light up Africa while the event also featured cash awards and issuance of certificate of participation to some secondary schools, which took part in the exhibition during the 1st Africa Congress on Bamboo and Rattan, SACOBAR ’24 as well as cutting of SIBRED’s 1st anniversary cake.