• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Legal
  • Technology and Science
  • Opinion
  • Columns
  • Exposé
  • World
  • Lifestyle
Robert Azibaola: Saving Bayelsa’s Rainforests

Robert Azibaola: Saving Bayelsa’s Rainforests

3 years ago
Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

11 minutes ago
Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

7 hours ago
Club World Cup: Chelsea, Fluminense Battle For Final Ticket

Club World Cup: Chelsea, Fluminense Battle For Final Ticket

7 hours ago
Kenya Tax

Even If Devil Is Angry, I’ll Construct Huge Church At Presidential Palace — Ruto

23 hours ago
Partey: Ex-Arsenal Star Charged With ‘Rape’

Partey: Ex-Arsenal Star Charged With ‘Rape’

1 day ago
Saturday, July 5, 2025
  • About
  • Privacy Policy
Heritage Times
No Result
View All Result
Translate |
  • Login
  • Politics
    Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

    Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

    Mali: Parliament Grants Coup Leader 5-Year Renewable Presidential Term Without Election

    Mali: Parliament Grants Coup Leader 5-Year Renewable Presidential Term Without Election

    Russia Becomes First To Recognise Taliban Government Of Afghanistan

    Russia Becomes First To Recognise Taliban Government Of Afghanistan

    Nigeria Misses Out, As Trump Hosts Economy, Security Meeting With 5 African Presidents

    Nigeria Misses Out, As Trump Hosts Economy, Security Meeting With 5 African Presidents

    ADC: Major Shake-Up In Nigerian Politics As Top Figures Unite

    ADC: Major Shake-Up In Nigerian Politics As Top Figures Unite

    Tanzania: Prime Minister Majaliwa To Step Down

    Tanzania: Prime Minister Majaliwa To Step Down

    Ivory Coast: AU Court Rejects Gbagbo’s Bid To Seek Re-Election

    Ivory Coast: AU Court Rejects Gbagbo’s Bid To Seek Re-Election

    SA: Crack Widens In Unity Govt As DA Withdraws From National Dialogue

    SA: Crack Widens In Unity Govt As DA Withdraws From National Dialogue

    Cameroon: Influential Minister Resigns, To Challenge President Biya At Polls

    Cameroon: Influential Minister Resigns, To Challenge President Biya At Polls

  • Economy
    Namibia Suspends State Funerals Following Criticism Over High Costs

    Namibia Suspends State Funerals Following Criticism Over High Costs

    SA: Mineral Council Says Proposed Tax On Chrome Export Threatens Jobs

    SA: Mineral Council Says Proposed Tax On Chrome Export Threatens Jobs

    Senegal Moves To Reduce Reliance On Foreign Lenders, Targets Improved IGR

    Senegal Promises To Clear Undeclared Debt Incurred By Past Administration

    Nigerian Govt Set To Launch ‘Africans For Africa’ Mining Sector Fund

    Nigerian Govt Set To Launch ‘Africans For Africa’ Mining Sector Fund

    Kenya Mulls Privatisation Of Key Government Assets To Attract Investment

    Kenya Mulls Privatisation Of Key Government Assets To Attract Investment

    Nigeria: Govt Says Deliberate Policies Boosting Investors’ Confidence In Oil & Gas Sector

    Nigeria: Govt Says Deliberate Policies Boosting Investors’ Confidence In Oil & Gas Sector

    US-Africa Summit Wraps Up with Trade and Investment Deals Worth Over $2.5 Billion

    US-Africa Summit Wraps Up With Trade And Investment Deals Worth Over $2.5 Billion

    S/Africa Introduces $54 Million Incentive To Boost Local Manufacturing Of EVs

    South Africa Secures $474.6 Million Loan From AfDB To Boost Energy Transition

    Celebration Of Excellence: Nigerian Govt Rewards Outstanding Civil Servants With Brand New Cars, House

    Celebration Of Excellence: Nigerian Govt Rewards Outstanding Civil Servants With Brand New Cars, House

  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Metro
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Legal
  • Tech & Science
  • Opinion
  • Exposé
  • Exclusive Videos
  • Niger Delta
  • World
  • Politics
    Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

    Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

    Mali: Parliament Grants Coup Leader 5-Year Renewable Presidential Term Without Election

    Mali: Parliament Grants Coup Leader 5-Year Renewable Presidential Term Without Election

    Russia Becomes First To Recognise Taliban Government Of Afghanistan

    Russia Becomes First To Recognise Taliban Government Of Afghanistan

    Nigeria Misses Out, As Trump Hosts Economy, Security Meeting With 5 African Presidents

    Nigeria Misses Out, As Trump Hosts Economy, Security Meeting With 5 African Presidents

    ADC: Major Shake-Up In Nigerian Politics As Top Figures Unite

    ADC: Major Shake-Up In Nigerian Politics As Top Figures Unite

    Tanzania: Prime Minister Majaliwa To Step Down

    Tanzania: Prime Minister Majaliwa To Step Down

    Ivory Coast: AU Court Rejects Gbagbo’s Bid To Seek Re-Election

    Ivory Coast: AU Court Rejects Gbagbo’s Bid To Seek Re-Election

    SA: Crack Widens In Unity Govt As DA Withdraws From National Dialogue

    SA: Crack Widens In Unity Govt As DA Withdraws From National Dialogue

    Cameroon: Influential Minister Resigns, To Challenge President Biya At Polls

    Cameroon: Influential Minister Resigns, To Challenge President Biya At Polls

  • Economy
    Namibia Suspends State Funerals Following Criticism Over High Costs

    Namibia Suspends State Funerals Following Criticism Over High Costs

    SA: Mineral Council Says Proposed Tax On Chrome Export Threatens Jobs

    SA: Mineral Council Says Proposed Tax On Chrome Export Threatens Jobs

    Senegal Moves To Reduce Reliance On Foreign Lenders, Targets Improved IGR

    Senegal Promises To Clear Undeclared Debt Incurred By Past Administration

    Nigerian Govt Set To Launch ‘Africans For Africa’ Mining Sector Fund

    Nigerian Govt Set To Launch ‘Africans For Africa’ Mining Sector Fund

    Kenya Mulls Privatisation Of Key Government Assets To Attract Investment

    Kenya Mulls Privatisation Of Key Government Assets To Attract Investment

    Nigeria: Govt Says Deliberate Policies Boosting Investors’ Confidence In Oil & Gas Sector

    Nigeria: Govt Says Deliberate Policies Boosting Investors’ Confidence In Oil & Gas Sector

    US-Africa Summit Wraps Up with Trade and Investment Deals Worth Over $2.5 Billion

    US-Africa Summit Wraps Up With Trade And Investment Deals Worth Over $2.5 Billion

    S/Africa Introduces $54 Million Incentive To Boost Local Manufacturing Of EVs

    South Africa Secures $474.6 Million Loan From AfDB To Boost Energy Transition

    Celebration Of Excellence: Nigerian Govt Rewards Outstanding Civil Servants With Brand New Cars, House

    Celebration Of Excellence: Nigerian Govt Rewards Outstanding Civil Servants With Brand New Cars, House

  • Security
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Metro
  • Entertainment
  • Lifestyle
  • Legal
  • Tech & Science
  • Opinion
  • Exposé
  • Exclusive Videos
  • Niger Delta
  • World
No Result
View All Result
First with the News

Robert Azibaola: Saving Bayelsa’s Rainforests

“Niger Delta rainforests - like other important forests across the globe - need protection. This can be done by exposing the issues and educating the locals.”

June 11, 2022
in Featured, Top Stories
0
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Whatsapp

For Robert Azibaola, a man is not complete except he embraces life from different perspectives.

To actualise this, the Bayelsa State-born environmentalist, social thinker, entrepreneur and lawyer, who later turned engineer, recently embarked on a 14-day sojourn into the deep rainforest of Bayelsa.

Relatedreading

Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

For Azibaola, it was a homecoming  to showcase to the world, the rich flora and fauna hidden in his home state of Bayelsa. This is the story of an indigene going deep into the depths of the forest, an exploratory voyage, if you would, into the depths of Bayelsa’s rich forest and, through his eyes, we see the impact of human interactions, over the years, on the environment, and how some flora and fauna are endangered as well the huge economic potential lying waste in the Niger Delta.

Just as Everton- Nigerian player, Alex Iwobi, is championing wild conservation efforts, Azibaola a believer in Climate Change, returned to Bayelsa, to showcase, first hand, how climate change is affecting the local people, their ways of life and the use of the rich biodiversity of the Niger Delta rain forest.

The journey into the rainforest, by Azibaola and his colleagues at Kakatar and Zeetin Groups, saw the team traverse the deep forest of Bayelsa with so much excitement and gusto, aired on the African Independent Television (AIT) on June 5, 2022.

Robert Azibaola: Saving Bayelsa’s rainforests

The first story is that of a bush canoe, which is practically left in the bush, for the use of whoever comes across it, in high or low tide, but has the burden of keeping it in pristine condition, for the next user!

In that documentary, Azibaola told the story of his people and the abundant natural resources inherent in not only Bayelsa but also, the entire Niger Delta.

Azibaola, who was obviously in a familiar terrain, in the process encountered strange fishes (such as the snake fish, which is a snake but is actually a fish!), reptiles such as Iguanas, rare tortoise, and other animals such as the pangolin which inhabit the forest.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Azibaola Robert (@azibaolarobert)

He seized the opportunity of the adventure to campaign for the preservation of these rare animals which are fast going into extinction; as corroborated by local hunters in the documentary.

In the course of his voyage, he exposed the inherent medicinal plants embedded in the forests which God has blessed man with. To back up action with words, some plants were extracted and their liquid extracts were applied to a section of his entourage. All Azibaola wanted to prove was that there is healing in Nature and the forests have natural, effective treatment of ailments of all kinds that afflict humans.

In the documentary, Azibaola explained that the expedition into deep forest was 25 kilometres radius from any civilisation, a vast land of fresh water forest, with no human community.

“At the end of the day, we had minimum of 25 kilometres to make it by foot to where humans live. Being here is a kind of experience that makes it worthwhile. There is no other pleasure than being in the depth of the forest of the Niger Delta,” he said and added that alongside his team, they covered over 400 kilometres of fresh waters, continuous tree canopies, swamps, while experiencing the rich biodiversity of the Niger Delta.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Azibaola Robert (@azibaolarobert)

Asked why he embarked on the expedition, Azibaola replied that he is a believer in climate change and that the world has now realised the adverse effects the negative use of the environment has caused mankind.

“There is a lot of environmental damage that has caused clamour for a break in the use of earth’s resources across the globe. The Niger Delta rainforest is a precious forest that gives mankind oxygen, just like the Amazon rainforest in Brazil. “Africans need to take action on climate change issues and link up with the global community so that our inactions will not derail the global efforts. It is important we know that mankind’s survival in the future depends on the careful use of the environment.

“Niger Delta rainforests need protection as are other important forests across the globe. This could be done by exposing the issues and proper education of the local people. “And, this is the reason why I decided to embark on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.”

Speaking on what he set out to achieve, Azibaola said his aim was to highlight the negative impacts of the use of the Niger Delta rainforest, such as indiscriminate wood logging, environmental pollution as a result of crude oil exploration, indiscriminate hunting and killing of wildlife, cutting down of trees which affects the oxygen levels.

“It was also important to educate the local people on issues around depletion of scarce forest resources and the beneficial use of the rainforest for the benefit of future generations. It is also imperative to create an alternative means of livelihood by highlighting the diverse beautiful nature of the Niger Delta rainforest and encourage national and international tourism to create employment for indigenous people and curb dangerous crimes amongst youth that breads insecurity in the region.”

He, however, said a solo expedition would have been a wrong move.

“The choice of going with the Karkatar and Zeetin team, instead of going solo, was for more inclusive participation of all segments of society, including women and youths, to give a sense of ownership of the issues. It is also intended to be annual expedition and the quality and number of participants of this first edition were carefully considered and selected,” he said.

On experiences learnt from the expedition, Azibaola disclosed that they found out that their fears were confirmed that the Niger Delta rainforest was being indiscriminately decimated.

“That there is high rate of deforestation taking place daily; trees falling for farming,  wood logging, crude oil spillages. That the ability of the forest to produce oxygen is being inhibited. That the community people are ignorant of the lasting impacts of the negative activities. They are ignorant on issues of climate change and forest protection and conservation. They are ignorant of the alternative use of the forest resources for income generation.

There are no forest regulations such that few individuals are economically benefiting from indiscriminate cutting down of trees for timber. Government has abandoned its role of regulating the use of forest resources; no enforcement of the rules. That there is need for the education of communities on issues of climate change, beneficial use of forest resources,  the importance of rainforest to humanity and conservation of rare species of animals. That there is need for strength and that research institutions across the region should undertake studies on the rainforest for better understanding its use.

“We found that if efforts were not intensified to conserve the biodiversity of the Niger Delta rain forest, the forest and all of its species will be lost in the very near future,” Azibaola averred.

Robert Azibaola: Saving Bayelsa’s rainforests

He, however, laughed at suggestions he and his entourage could have been consumed by wild animals in the forest.

“…We were sure, based on our findings, that the likelihood of being attacked by wild animal was remote.  We took all the precautions necessary for our safety. While we did not go into the forest to destroy wildlife, we were careful to keep away from them too.”

Azibaola concluded by proffering solutions government can employ to preserve the animals in the forest from going into extinction.

“Government must set up strong regulatory framework for the use of the forest resources. Indiscriminate cutting down of trees, which are the natural habitats of wild species must be checked. Government needs to reinvent the old age practice of forest guards, akin to forest police, to  prevent people from harvesting the forests without government approval.

State governments across the region must cooperate in this regard. Multilateral and multinational institutions in Nigeria and across the globe must also help in this regard in the area of training and capacity building, as well as resources for effective enforcement. Other corporate institutions must move away from the idea of equating Niger Delta to oil exploration.

“That there should be national frameworks and legislation that will strengthen local institutions. There should be budgetary provisions for an action plan for the Niger Delta rainforest regeneration and conservation. This shall include setting out buffer zones for regulations and enforcement.

“There needs to be linkages between local, national and international institutions and NGOs for the practical conservation of the Niger Delta rain forest so that lessons learnt from elsewhere can be brought to bear in the Niger Delta so that the people of the Niger Delta can as well participate on issues relating to international conference on climate change.

“Efforts need to be made to reintroduce species that have gone extinct in the forest.

“There should be efforts n creating buffer zones for preservation of forest species.

“There is need for the domestication of trees. These trees are searches that are going extinct that cannot and are not yet domesticated and need to be domesticated in the Niger Delta,” Azibaola rounded off.

Save for the headline adopted from Vanguard, other texts of this article first appeared on The Sun. Photos and videos were sourced from copious sources including Robert Azibaola’s Instagram page. 

Tags: breakingHeritageheritage timesheritagetimesmediaKakatar GrouplatestnewsRobert Azibaolathe heritage timesthtthtafricatop storiesZeetin Engineering
ShareTweetSend
Previous Post

US Drops COVID Testing Requirement For International Air Travelers

Next Post

Justin Bieber ‘Frustrated’ Over Difficulty In Eating: ‘Please Pray For Me’

Related Posts

Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

July 5, 2025
Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

July 5, 2025

Club World Cup: Chelsea, Fluminense Battle For Final Ticket

Even If Devil Is Angry, I’ll Construct Huge Church At Presidential Palace — Ruto

Partey: Ex-Arsenal Star Charged With ‘Rape’

Egypt, Morocco And South Africa Named Among World’s Best Countries

Next Post
Justin Bieber 'Frustrated' Over Difficulty In Eating: 'Please Pray For Me'

Justin Bieber 'Frustrated' Over Difficulty In Eating: 'Please Pray For Me'

Please login to join discussion
AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2 AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2 AfriHeritage Magazine Issue 2

Updates

Plugin Install : Widget Tab Post needs JNews - View Counter to be installed
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

July 5, 2025
Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

July 5, 2025
Club World Cup: Chelsea, Fluminense Battle For Final Ticket

Club World Cup: Chelsea, Fluminense Battle For Final Ticket

July 5, 2025
Kenya Tax

Even If Devil Is Angry, I’ll Construct Huge Church At Presidential Palace — Ruto

July 4, 2025
JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia JESIN GAMES - AfriTrivia
ADVERTISEMENT

Most Recent

Russia, China’s Presidents Absent As BRICS Summit Starts In Brazil

July 5, 2025

Ukrainian Forces Capture Nigerian Fighting For Russia

July 5, 2025

Club World Cup: Chelsea, Fluminense Battle For Final Ticket

July 5, 2025

Even If Devil Is Angry, I’ll Construct Huge Church At Presidential Palace — Ruto

July 4, 2025

Partey: Ex-Arsenal Star Charged With ‘Rape’

July 4, 2025

Egypt, Morocco And South Africa Named Among World’s Best Countries

July 4, 2025

Namibia Suspends State Funerals Following Criticism Over High Costs

July 4, 2025

Mali: Parliament Grants Coup Leader 5-Year Renewable Presidential Term Without Election

July 4, 2025

About

Heritage Times HT stands as a beacon of pan-African journalism, dedicated to amplyfing the rich tapestry of voices and narratives across the continent. With unwavering commitment, we illuminate the evocative essence of Africa, offering a fresh perspective that captivates our global audience.

Featured

From Hope To Fear: Kenya Joins East Africa’s Crackdown On Free Expression

AfDB Set For A New President, As Ould Tah Gains Continental Endorsement

How Dangote Is Turning Trump’s Trade War Into Africa’s Opportunity

Connect

Connect with us on social media and receive timely updates on the go.

Get Updates

  • About
  • Privacy Policy

© 2024 Heritage Times (HT) Media.

No Result
View All Result
  • Welcome
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Security
  • Exposé
  • Education
  • Sports
  • Health
  • Entertainment
  • Legal
  • Technology and Science
  • Columns
    • Opinion
  • World
  • __________________
  • Make a Donation
  • Photo Speaks
  • Videos
  • You-Report
  • Whistleblower
  • Advertise
  • HT Events
  • About HT
  • Contact us

© 2024 Heritage Times (HT) Media.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In