Margot Abayomi Memorial Evergreen Foundation has linked Nigeria’s rising food costs and worsening climate change to decades of unchecked environmental destruction.
The foundation also called for urgent government and community action to restore degraded forests.
Dr. Dayo Abayomi, Co-Founder of the foundation, said this on Thursday in an interview with reporters.
The foundation, run by three siblings, is conserving a small forest reserve by the river in Ikoyi-Osun, Osun State, known as the Emerald Forest Reserve.
Abayomi described as unfortunate the loss of more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s forests due to unchecked logging without reforestation, warning that the practice continues to harm both the environment and human wellbeing.
“We grew up appreciating the forest and became very upset that more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s forests have disappeared due to logging without reforestation.
“We must understand that awareness on forest management is key.
“Communities need to realize that climate change, irregular rainfall, flooding, drought and rising food costs are all linked to environmental destruction.
“It is no longer acceptable to destroy the environment for money because our children will inherit the consequences,” she said.
She added that the environment and human health were closely connected, noting that people rely on forests for medicinal plants and other essential benefits.
Abayomi said many wild animals that were once common in the area were now at risk of extinction due to hunting and wildlife trade.
She said the foundation collaborates with wildlife-rescue organizations to save animals such as pangolins and civet cats, which are then released back into their natural habitat.
“Animals hunted from the forests are often injured and kept in markets without water or proper food.
“They are caged until they die or are sold to traditional healers who use their parts, or trafficked internationally.
“Pangolin scales sometimes go to China for medicinal use, while civet cats are killed for their musk gland, which is used in perfumes.
“When we rescue them, they are often in terrible condition. We aim for quick reintegration into the forest to ensure they do not lose their natural instincts,” she added.
She said the foundation also encourages hunters to become forest rangers on salaries to discourage wildlife killing, stressing that extinction was irreversible.
“As medical doctors, we also support the community through free medical outreach, including consultations, medicines and referrals,” she said.
Abayomi expressed concern over the loss of resourceful tree species, noting that some trees that take 50 to 100 years to mature are being cut down and exported without replacement.
She reiterated the foundation’s commitment to reducing forest destruction, raising awareness on afforestation, and supporting sustainable livelihoods for communities that depend on logging.
