The Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, FRIN, has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental restoration and sustainable forest development with the donation of 3,500 tree seedlings to Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, as part of its nationwide afforestation programme.
According to the Media Aide to the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of FRIN, Idara Umoh-Ido, ANIPR, the donation aligns with the vision of the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of FRIN, Prof. Zacharia B. Yaduma, whose administration has intensified afforestation initiatives aimed at restoring degraded landscapes, promoting biodiversity conservation, and mitigating the effects of climate change across Nigeria.
The seedlings, comprising four economically important tree species Khaya senegalensis, Terminalia superba, Gmelina arborea, and Tectona grandis were planted within the university campus.
The latest donation complements the 1,500 seedlings earlier provided to the institution in 2025, bringing the total number of seedlings donated by FRIN to Redeemer’s University to 5,000. This fulfills the commitment made by the Director-General following a request by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Shedrach, in 2025.
As part of the intervention, FRIN also established a 3.3-hectare plantation within the university, further strengthening its partnership with the institution in promoting environmental sustainability, practical forestry education, and research.
Notably, the plantation project marks the first official assignment of the newly established FRIN Tropical Rainforest Resource Centre, Inisa, under the leadership of Mr. Sulaiman Rafiu. The tree-planting exercise was coordinated by the South-West Afforestation Programme Officer, Mr. A. B. Salaudeen, who supervised the successful execution of the project.
The initiative underscores FRIN’s statutory mandate to promote afforestation, conserve Nigeria’s forest resources, and encourage institutional participation in tree planting as a sustainable response to climate change and environmental degradation.
Under the leadership of Prof. Zacharia B. Yaduma, FRIN has continued to strengthen strategic collaborations with educational institutions and other stakeholders in pursuit of a greener Nigeria. Through such partnerships, the Institute remains committed to expanding the nation’s forest cover, enhancing ecosystem resilience, and promoting sustainable environmental management for present and future generations.