Forester advises FG to explore nation’s abundant biodiversity

 Mr Fred Yakubu, Forester, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), Ibadan, on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to explore the abundant biodiversity in the country to enhance foreign exchange earnings.

Yakubu, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan, said the nation’s economy would be improved if due attention was given to the development of indigenous fruit trees.

He said most of economic trees such as bitter kola, star apple and bush mango found in parts of the country were nutritious and contain more minerals and vitamins than most imported fruits.

``The African mango in which Ogbono seed is gotten is an effective supplement for weight loss; the slimming properties come from the seeds; the fruit contains calcium, phosphorus, iron and vitamin C.

``The seeds also have high fibre and aid in removing cholesterol from the body.

``It has been found that African mango extract increases adiponectin, PPAR gamma, glycerol-3, phosphate, dehydrogenase and leptin in the body.

``These substances boost body’s metabolism, and in turn, help burn fat,” he said.
Yakubu said bitter kola was one of the several non-timber forest products.

``Its economic contribution to both domestic and national markets raises the standard of living of those involved in its trading.

``Trade in bitter kola is more profitable than trade in other non-timber forest products such as wonder cola (Buccholzia coriacea) and kola nuts (Kola nitida/acuminate).’’

He urged the government to ban import of genetically modified fruits, adding that proper funding of research in indigenous trees would enhance employment, good income generation and foreign exchange.

Yakubu said the standard of living of rural dwellers could also be improved planting of trees with low gestation period.