Environmentalists have lamented that Nigeria’s forests remain severely threatened despite decades of advocacy and policy interventions. Speaking at a public lecture organised to celebrate Professor Emeritus David Okali’s 90th birthday, held by the Nigerian Environmental Study/Action Team (NEST) in collaboration with the University of Ibadan (UI), Chairman of NEST Board, Prof. Chinedum Nwajiuba, decried the nation’s worsening deforestation.

“In the past 90 years, and since 1987, we have witnessed massive deforestation in Nigeria, while countries like Israel and China have recorded significant achievements in greening their environment,” he said.

Nwajiuba reaffirmed NEST’s commitment to sustaining the vision of its founders, urging Nigerians to move from rhetoric to action in protecting the environment “for humanity and for God.”

Delivering a keynote tribute, he described Okali as “a granite, a nonagenarian whose life is defined by humility, wisdom, and service to humanity.”

He highlighted Okali’s pivotal role in the establishment and growth of NEST since its founding in 1987. According to him, the organisation was birthed at the University of Ibadan after a historic conference on Nigeria’s environment, supported by international partners such as Canadian University Service Overseas (CUSO) and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO International).

“From that point, NEST became a unique, broad-based non-governmental platform. Okali, then a young man of 52, provided vision and leadership that shaped Nigeria’s environmental advocacy,” Nwajiuba noted.

He also recalled landmark contributions steered by Okali, including the production of Nigeria’s Threatened Environment (1991), 100 Years of Nigeria’s Environment (2023), and the National Adaptation Strategy and Plan of Action on Climate Change (NASPA-CCN) in 2011.

“Today’s vibrant climate change advocacy in Nigeria owes much to the foundation laid by Okali and his peers,” he added. Beyond NEST, Okali is a fellow and past president of the Nigerian Academy of Science (NAS), and was among 17 scholars honoured with the Nigerian Universities Distinguished Professors Award in 2013 during the 51st anniversary of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

Nwajiuba described the celebrant as “a good man, a family man of excellent spirit and character, whose humility is as firm as granite,” praying for his continued health and fulfillment as he advances toward the century mark.

Also speaking, Prof. Tai Oluwagbemi, a member of NEST’s Board of Trustees, commended Okali’s selfless service and enduring impact on Nigeria’s environmental movement, describing him as “a mentor whose vision has inspired generations of environmentalists and advocates.”

In his remarks, UI Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, praised the values of Okali’s generation, describing him as a trailblazer whose scholarship and advocacy shaped Nigeria’s forestry and environmental policies. He expressed gratitude to the celebrant for his immense contributions to the university and to national development.

Adding his voice, former National Focal Point on Climate Change to the UNFCCC and retired Federal Permanent Secretary, Dr Peter Tarfa, lauded Okali’s lasting impact on Nigeria’s climate governance.

“Okali’s vision played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s climate change governance framework, leaving a legacy of resilience, sustainability, and institutional strength that still guides our nation’s climate initiatives. His ideas continue to serve as a beacon for sustainable forestry and institutional development in Nigeria,” he said.

The celebratory lecture was delivered by Prof. Labode Popoola of the UI Forestry Department, with glowing tributes pouring in from colleagues, family, and friends in honour of Okali’s lifelong service to environmental stewardship.