Ekiti to Host New Forestry Research Institute Outstation, Boosting Research and Job Creation

News Update

Ekiti State is poised to host a new research outstation for the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN), a move expected to significantly boost forestry research and economic development in the state. This initiative stems from a collaborative effort between the Ekiti State government and FRIN’s management. A key inspection was conducted in Odoowa, Ijero Local Government Area, led by Dr. Tayo Oyelowo of FRIN, to assess the site’s suitability for the proposed facility.

In a move to attract a greater federal presence in Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has officially approved the establishment of the FRIN outstation in Odoowa. This approval underscores the state’s commitment to harnessing its rich forestry potential. The establishment of this outstation is a crucial step towards unlocking the immense potential of forestry to significantly boost the state’s Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) in the future. Beyond economic benefits, this initiative is also a testament to the governor’s commitment to climate change mitigation and the long-term sustainability of Ekiti’s environment.

The new FRIN outstation, a federal government research institution under the Federal Ministry of Environment, will serve as a hub for research and development, helping the state to better manage its forest resources and contribute to a greener future.

The establishment of this outstation is a direct outcome of a high-level meeting held in Ibadan on April 28, 2025, where Ekiti State officials, including Dr. Akinyemi Akinyugha, the Technical Advisor on Green Economy, Dr. Olly Owen, the Technical Advisor on Forestry and Climate Change, and Mr. Sunday Adekunle, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, met with FRIN’s Director-General, Professor Zachariah Buba Yaduma. FRIN, Nigeria’s premier government agency for forestry research, has over seventeen regional stations but none in Ekiti State, making this a pivotal development. The new outstation will focus on sustainability, conservation, and the utilization of forest resources, aligning with FRIN’s core mandate.

The proposed outstation will bring significant benefits to Ekiti, including job creation, capacity building, and enhanced environmental consciousness. It is also expected to become a “Green Hub” for nearby towns and villages, contributing to the restoration of degraded landscapes, tourism, and the eventual development of a seed bank. The Ekiti State government is required to meet several conditions to facilitate the project, including providing a minimum of 10 hectares of arable land, furnished office accommodation, and essential utilities like water and electricity.

During the site inspection in Odoowa, the FRIN team met with Mr. Sunday Adekunle, the Executive Secretary of the Ekiti State Forestry Commission, and the Olowa of Odoowa. The Olowa has reportedly promised to provide 20 hectares of land and a farmhouse, exceeding FRIN’s minimum requirement and positioning Odoowa as a strong and preferred site for the outstation’s location. Odoowa’s offer reflects a robust commitment from the local community.