As concerns mount over the growing nexus between forest degradation and insecurity in Nigeria, renowned forestry scholar and international environmental policy expert, Prof. Labode Popoola, will lead discussions at the maiden edition of the ValidViewNetwork Global Discourse. The virtual event, scheduled for Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Nigeria Time), will focus on the theme: “Nigeria’s Forests Under Siege: Charting a Path to Safety, Stability, and Sustainable Development.”
The discourse, organized by ValidViewNetwork, is the first in a monthly series designed to bring together global audiences, policymakers, academics, professionals, security practitioners, researchers, students, and development experts. Together, participants will examine critical issues shaping society and explore practical solutions. The choice of this inaugural theme reflects the urgent need to address the increasing use of forests by bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, and other criminal groups, while simultaneously safeguarding the ecological and economic benefits of forest resources for present and future generations.
Leading the conversation is Prof. Labode Popoola, who currently serves as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the African Forest Forum in Kenya. A former President of the Forestry Association of Nigeria and former Vice-Chancellor of Osun State University, Prof. Popoola is widely regarded as one of Africa’s foremost authorities in forestry, environmental governance, and sustainable development. Over the years, he has distinguished himself as a scholar, researcher, administrator, policy advocate, and eloquent speaker whose contributions have shaped forestry education, research, and policy across Africa and beyond.
Having delivered lectures, keynote addresses, and scholarly papers in numerous countries around the world, Prof. Popoola brings a unique blend of academic excellence, field experience, institutional leadership, and international exposure to the discourse. He will provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between forest governance, environmental sustainability, community development, and national security, while offering practical recommendations for reclaiming and sustainably managing Nigeria’s forest landscapes. ValidViewNetwork reports that his decades of hands-on experience with Nigerian forests will add immense value to the global conversation.
To ensure a balanced perspective, a second Distinguished Discussant will be drawn from a key government security institution. This speaker will provide critical insights into current government initiatives and operational strategies aimed at combating forest-based criminality and protecting Nigeria’s vital natural resources. The virtual session will be chaired by Mr. Lanre Ogundipe, Chairman of the ValidViewNetwork Advisory Council, former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and former President of the African Union of Journalists (AUJ), who will formally declare the discourse open.
Participants are expected from across Nigeria and the international community, spanning forestry professionals, environmental experts, security personnel, academics, policymakers, development practitioners, researchers, students, civil society actors, and interested members of the public. According to ValidViewNetwork, the discourse is designed to generate informed perspectives, policy-relevant recommendations, and collaborative approaches toward addressing the security challenges associated with Nigeria’s forests while advancing sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
As Nigeria grapples with evolving security threats and increasing pressure on its natural resources, this maiden edition of the ValidViewNetwork Global Discourse promises to provide a timely platform for expert engagement, knowledge exchange, and solution-driven conversations on one of the nation’s most pressing challenges. ValidViewNetwork Media is a dynamic and forward-thinking multimedia organization committed to delivering credible, timely, insightful, and impactful content to audiences across Nigeria, Africa, and the global community. Built on the principles of truth, integrity, professionalism, and innovation, the network serves as a trusted platform for news dissemination, public engagement, thought leadership, and developmental communication.
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More time would have been devoted to this discourse considering the theme and the calibre of discussants. It’s a timely one considering the state of the nation and the collapsing security architecture in th country. I am really looking forward to the programme while awaiting more information prior the date .
We will provide update. Thanks 🙏