The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said the state forestry laws would ensure proper utilisation, preservation and protection of the forest and wildlife resources in the state.

The governor, who added that the law would promote the conservation of the ecosystem disclosed this on Wednesday during the inauguration of the Edo State Forestry Commission in Udo Community, Ovia South West Local Government of the state.

He said all forestry activities would henceforth be domiciled with the commission.

Obaseki also charged security operatives to sustain its 90 days onslaught to chase out hoodlums from the state’s forests- particularly in Okomu and Gelegele.

He said, “The government will make sure that forestry laws encourage proper utilisation, preservation and protection of the state forest and wildlife resources as well as promote conservation of the ecosystem.

“We are fortunate in Edo because forestry management started here almost 100 years ago and we still have documents in our archives to show that as far back as the 1920s, forest reserves were created and were managed under a 50-year felling circle.

“It, therefore, means that if you are given a concession to log in that area, you are not allowed to come back to that area for another 50 years, instead you go somewhere else because you have to regrow that place where you cut those trees.

“The forestry sector is attracting a lot of investors both locally and internationally. Our development partners have been quite kind to us because they have opened their doors to us and we are working with them, particularly in the areas of plantation establishment.”

The governor lauded the Africa Nature Investors Foundation for its tremendous support with a lot of resources to train paramilitary force, adding that “We intend to continue the training so that we have these paramilitary forces to help security agencies in patrolling and securing our forest.”

On his part, Conservator General, National Park Service, Ibrahim Musa who was represented by Kabiru Mohammed, said the commission would play a pivotal role in combatting the threat of deforestation as well as the menace of illegal logging.

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