The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ValidViewNetwork, Associate Professor Kayode Ogunjobi FHEA, FFAN, has congratulated Professor Labode Popoola, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the African Forest Forum, on his 66th birthday.

Ogunjobi described Professor Popoola as a distinguished forester, scholar, astute administrator, global thought leader and exceptional ambassador of knowledge whose contributions extend far beyond the forestry profession.

In a birthday letter dated September 29, 2026, the ValidViewNetwork founder celebrated the forestry expert for his remarkable contributions to knowledge, sustainable development and the forestry profession.

“A distinguished scholar and passionate forester”

Reflecting on Professor Popoola’s professional stature, Ogunjobi wrote:

“I warmly congratulate you on the occasion of your 66th birthday on September 28, 2026. We celebrate not only another remarkable year of your life, but also a distinguished scholar, astute administrator, passionate forester, global thought leader and exceptional ambassador of knowledge whose contributions extend far beyond the forestry profession.”

Short notice acceptance praised

Ogunjobi particularly praised Professor Popoola for accepting to participate in the maiden edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse despite receiving the invitation at short notice and having demanding professional responsibilities.

He said the decision revealed important qualities about the renowned forester’s personality.

“Your acceptance to serve as the Distinguished Discussant at the Maiden Edition of the ValidViewNetwork Monthly Global Discourse at very short notice, despite your demanding professional engagements, demonstrated your humility, accessibility, commitment to knowledge and willingness to contribute to conversations that can positively influence society.”

The maiden edition of the Monthly Global Discourse was held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, under the theme, “Nigeria’s Forests Under Siege: Charting a Path to Safety, Stability, and Sustainable Development.”

The communiqué from the programme records Professor Popoola as the Distinguished Discussant and identifies the Monthly Global Discourse as ValidViewNetwork’s signature global conversation platform, designed to bridge the gap between knowledge and action through evidence based engagement.

“Your contribution was historic and exceptional”

Ogunjobi further reflected on the quality of Professor Popoola’s contribution to the inaugural discourse, noting that his intervention brought substantial intellectual depth to the conversation.

He stated:

“Your contribution at the maiden edition, held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with the theme: ‘Nigeria’s Forests Under Siege: Charting a Path to Safety, Stability, and Sustainable Development.’ was historic and exceptional. You brought scholarship, experience, clarity, depth and practical wisdom to the discourse, helping to establish the intellectual character that ValidViewNetwork Global Discourse seeks to maintain.”

“You helped lay a solid foundation”

Ogunjobi said Professor Popoola’s contribution went beyond his role as a Distinguished Discussant because his participation helped establish the intellectual foundation of the programme.

He wrote:

“Your participation was much more than an appearance by a distinguished scholar. You helped lay a solid foundation for the programme and set a meaningful tone for subsequent editions.”

According to the ValidViewNetwork founder, the growth of the programme since its inaugural edition has demonstrated the enduring value of the foundation established by Professor Popoola and other distinguished participants.

He added:

“Today, the programme continues to grow in impact, visibility and geographical coverage. In many ways, your participation represented a Midas touch in the establishment of a programme whose influence continues to grow.”

The Monthly Global Discourse was conceived to promote informed decision making, public awareness, policy innovation and sustainable development through robust discussions and evidence based engagements.

Commends commitment to forestry

Ogunjobi also used the occasion to commend Professor Popoola’s longstanding commitment to forestry and environmental stewardship.

He wrote:

“Your commitment to forestry is equally worthy of commendation. You have consistently shown that forestry is not merely a profession, but a responsibility to humanity, the environment and generations yet unborn.”

He further highlighted the professor’s contribution to conversations around sustainability and conservation.

“Your intellectual contributions continue to enrich conversations around forests, sustainability, conservation and responsible environmental stewardship.”

Ogunjobi recalls Professor Popoola’s humility

Beyond his professional accomplishments, the ValidViewNetwork founder also celebrated the professor’s personal qualities, particularly his humility and accessibility.

Ogunjobi described Professor Popoola as a scholar whose stature has not diminished his simplicity or willingness to engage with others.

He said the professor’s participation in the maiden discourse demonstrated that distinction and humility can coexist, particularly when knowledge is deployed in the service of society.

As he concluded his birthday tribute, Ogunjobi offered prayers and best wishes for the professor’s future.

He stated:

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“As you celebrate this new chapter, may the years ahead bring you renewed strength, sound health, greater accomplishments and abundant fulfillment. May your knowledge continue to illuminate minds, your experience inspire younger generations, and your contributions strengthen the forestry profession and the wider cause of sustainable development.”

ValidViewNetwork reports that Professor Popoola’s 66th birthday therefore provides an opportunity to celebrate a deeply rooted professional legacy, a distinguished forestry scholar and a voice whose influence continues to extend across Nigeria, Africa and the wider global forestry ecosystem.