Cross River Gov’t, PROWPMAN Seal Pact on 5,000-Hectare Sustainable Green Project
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government, through the Forestry Commission, has entered into a landmark partnership with the Processed Wood Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (PROWPMAN) to implement a Sustainable Green Project aimed at restoring 5,000 hectares of degraded forest reserves across the state’s three senatorial districts.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Thursday by the Chairman of the Cross River State Forestry Commission (CRSFC), Ntufam Rt. Hon. Deacon George Oben-Etchi, PhD, and the National President of PROWPMAN, Chief Ademola Christopher Oyaleke, marks a significant milestone in the state’s renewed commitment to sustainable forestry and climate resilience.
Under the agreement, reforestation efforts will span the Oban Group Forest Reserve in Akamkpa Local Government Area (South), Okon River Forest Reserve in Edondon, Obubra Local Government Area (Central), and Yache Forest Reserve in Alifokpa, Yala Local Government Area (North).
Speaking during the ceremony, Chief Oyaleke explained that the initiative seeks to promote sustainable forest practices, enhance biodiversity, mitigate the effects of climate change, and improve the livelihoods of local communities. He described the collaboration as PROWPMAN’s most successful afforestation project in Nigeria and commended the leadership of the Forestry Commission for its vision and support.
In his remarks, Hon. Oben-Etchi expressed delight over the partnership, describing it as a decisive step toward restoring and sustaining the state’s rich forest ecosystem.
“We want Cross Riverians to know that conscious efforts are being made through tree planting to reclaim our forest reserves. With this MoU, we now have a working document and reference point for future generations,” he affirmed.
The Forestry Commission Chairman assured the association that his agency would operate transparently and provide regular public updates to showcase progress in forest conservation and management.
Hon. Oben-Etchi thanked PROWPMAN and the Forestry Association of Nigeria for their steadfast commitment to rejuvenating the state’s forests. He expressed confidence that the partnership would endure and significantly expand Cross River’s forest cover for future generations.
The Director of Forestry, Mr. Donatus Adie, applauded both parties for the initiative, urging other stakeholders, particularly NGOs, CBOs, and private sector actors, to emulate the collaboration instead of relying solely on government intervention.
Similarly, the Secretary of the Forestry Association of Nigeria (FAN), Cross River Chapter, Dr. Emmanuel A. Ugbong, commended the Commission for its security support during fieldwork and expressed optimism that the initiative would promote afforestation, regeneration, and ecosystem restoration statewide.
The Vice President of PROWPMAN, Chief Dosunmi Adetola, extended appreciation to Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu for granting approval for the project and for providing the essential logistics that enabled its smooth takeoff.
On behalf of PROWPMAN Cross River State Chapter, the Secretary, Mr. Babatunde Williams, disclosed that the association had already planted over 25,000 tree seedlings of various species in Oban, Akamkpa LGA, as part of the project’s 5,000-hectare pilot phase. He lauded the Forestry Commission for its unwavering partnership and support.
