The Chairman of the Cross River state Forestry Commission, Odigha Odigha has hailed the active participation and contributions of civil society in the effective management of forest resources in Cross River state and Nigeria in general.
Odigha made this known during an advocacy visit to his office by civil society leaders under the auspices of Climate and Sustainable Development Network of Nigeria (CSDevNet). The chairman commended the civil society network for identifying and supporting the government’s drive to ensure equitable and efficient management of the abundant forestry resources in Cross River state. He further called for enhanced collaboration in stakeholder engagement especially in the rural areas where the network has considerable influence.
The civil society delegation led by the National Network Coordinator, Atayi Babs, the South-West Zonal Coordinator, Adekunle Onamusi and the South-South Zonal Coordinator, James Olabi Odey, all of the Climate and Sustainable Development Network (CSDevNet) thanked the Commission for partnering with civil society and highlighted the need to continually respect sovereignty in the development and implementation of forest governance mechanisms as well as enhance other social and environmental benefits that eliminate poverty.
The advocacy visit also underscored the need to ensure full and effective participation of all relevant stakeholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities in the management of forests in Nigeria