IITA forest project opens new ethno-botanical garden

The garden was inaugurated by IITA Director General Dr Nteranya Sanginga before an invited audience, including six traditional rulers of Yorubaland, herbalists, scientists, sponsors and IITA staff and students.
 In his opening address, Dr Sanginga said the new ethno-botanical garden and the IITA Forest Reserve were part of the natural heritage and resources for Ibadan and Nigeria, holding priceless biodiversity, including some rare and endangered species.
He supported the significance of the garden by sharing his experiences both as a student and as director general of the institute.
The DG said: “The conservation of the IITA forest dates back before 1981 when I was a student here. From IITA’s earliest days it was realised that if this portion of our campus was not preserved then the resources and biodiversity that our unique forest conserves today would be lost. As DG I have had the privilege of hosting students and high political officers, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former Nigerian president, and they were all overwhelmed to see the richness of the IITA forest.