Cultivating resilience and wealth: The role of indigenous trees in Nigeria’s future

At a recent webinar organized by Images Initiative in collaboration with Carbon Offset Programme - Africa (COP-Africa), Olukunle Olasupo, Field Supervisor at IITA Forest Center, shed light on the untapped potential of Nigeria's indigenous trees. Emphasizing these species' economic and ecological importance, Olasupo encouraged participants to embrace native trees as cultural assets and practical resources for sustainable development.

Olasupo began by highlighting the unique values of several indigenous trees, including the baobab (osé), ogbono, oha, and ukwa. These trees offer more than mere ecological benefits; they are deeply embedded in the cultural identity of local communities. Their use in traditional foods, medicines, and even crafts links them to heritage and economic opportunity, making them invaluable assets to individuals and communities.

He also touched on an innovative potential partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) involving the tree Voacanga africana, locally known as ako dodo. The tree's roots contain a special alkaloid with properties that could aid drug rehabilitation by positively impacting brain function. This potential collaboration underscores the broader societal benefits of Nigeria's native plants, extending even to public health initiatives.

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