Global Spotlight as Prof. Labode Popoola Leads ValidViewNetwork Discourse on Nigeria’s Forest Security Crisis

ValidViewNetwork, a rapidly emerging global media and knowledge sharing platform committed to fostering informed conversations on critical societal issues, has announced the maiden edition of its monthly Global Discourse Series, a strategic initiative designed to bring together experts, policymakers, academics, professionals, security practitioners, researchers, students and members of the global community to interrogate pressing issues affecting nations and societies.

The inaugural edition of the Global Discourse is scheduled to hold virtually on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm (London Time which is currently same thing with Nigeria Time) and will focus on the theme: “Nigeria’s Forests Under Siege: Charting a Path to Safety, Stability, and Sustainable Development.”

The details of the Global Discourse was contained in a statement made available by the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ValidViewNetwork, Kayode Ogunjobi, PhD, FHEA, FFAN, who described the discourse as a platform created to stimulate evidence-based conversations, promote public enlightenment, and generate actionable recommendations on issues of local, national and global significance.

According to Ogunjobi, the choice of the theme for the maiden edition was informed by the growing concerns over the security challenges confronting Nigeria and the increasingly strategic role forests have come to play in the nation’s security architecture.

He noted that while forests remain invaluable ecological assets that support biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, livelihoods and sustainable development, many forest reserves and ungoverned forest spaces across the Nigeria have unfortunately become operational bases for bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminal elements.

“Recent developments have revealed the extent to which forests have become theatres of criminal activities, with many innocent Nigerians reportedly held captive in camps located within forest landscapes. This disturbing reality demands a holistic conversation that examines the nexus between forestry, environmental governance, national security and sustainable development,” he stated.

Ogunjobi further explained that the discourse seeks to move beyond problem identification to the exploration of practical and sustainable solutions capable of restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s forests while strengthening national security and community resilience.

To provide a robust and multidimensional perspective on the subject matter, is Professor Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the African Forest Forum, Kenya.

Professor Popoola is one of Africa’s most respected forestry scholars and administrators. He is a former President of the Forestry Association of Nigeria and former Vice – Chancellor of Osun State University. He has built an outstanding reputation as a researcher, policy advocate, administrator and public intellectual. Over the course of a distinguished career spanning several decades, he has delivered scholarly papers, keynote addresses and policy presentations in numerous countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.

His unique ability to integrate academic scholarship, field experience, policy engagement and institutional leadership makes him exceptionally qualified to interrogate the complexities surrounding forest governance, environmental sustainability and security challenges in contemporary Nigeria. Participants are expected to benefit immensely from his wealth of global experience and deep understanding of local forestry issues.

The session will be chaired by the Chairman of the ValidViewNetwork Media Advisory Council, Mr. Lanre Ogundipe, a former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and former President of the African Union of Journalists (AUJ).

A highly respected media leader and advocate of responsible journalism, Mr. Ogundipe will formally declare the discourse open and provide strategic direction for the conversation as participants examine one of the most pressing challenges confronting Nigeria today.

The Global Discourse Series is conceived as a monthly intellectual engagement that will hold on the last Sunday of every month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm (Nigeria Time) . It aims to serve as a bridge between knowledge producers, practitioners, policymakers and citizens by creating opportunities for informed dialogue on governance, security, education, health, environment, technology, leadership, economy, and sustainable development.

Expected participants at the maiden edition include forestry professionals, environmental experts, security personnel, academics, researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, students and members of the Nigerian and international communities.

Ogunjobi expressed confidence that the discourse would generate practical recommendations capable of informing policy decisions, strengthening public awareness and promoting collaborative actions toward securing Nigeria’s forests and advancing sustainable development objectives.

He added that the forum will provide participants with the opportunity to engage, ask questions and contribute to conversations that can influence positive change.

“The expectation is that participants will leave with a deeper understanding of the security implications of forest governance, the environmental consequences of neglecting our forest resources, and the urgent need for coordinated action among government agencies, communities, civil society organisations, researchers and development partners. Ultimately, the discourse seeks to contribute to the emergence of safer communities, better managed forests and a more sustainable future for Nigeria,” he said.

Participants have been enjoined to join the ValidViewNetwork Global Discourse using the link

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