A one-day hybrid food systems dialogue on the role of bamboo in climate-smart agriculture has held in Awka, Anambra State.
It was organized by the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Climate Smart Agriculture Youth Network Global (GCSAYN).
The theme of the event was “Growing Together: Building Sustainable Food Systems through Internships”.
The Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Professor Joseph Ikechebelu, represented by Professor Angela Ufele-Obiesie, the Director of Academic Planning, declared it open.
Ikechebelu reaffirmed the university’s support for SIBRED-led bamboo-based innovation.
The VC assured that the university would continue backing research aimed at unlocking bamboo’s full potential.
“SIBRED is doing remarkable work in advancing bamboo research. To bring the best out of bamboo, the university management is fully behind you”.
Welcoming participants, SIBRED’s Director, Dr. John Ogbodo, emphasized the institute’s focus on climate-resilient bamboo-based farming systems as a sustainable pathway for food security.
“Today, we gather to explore innovative solutions for building sustainable food systems through internships, with a focus on climate-resilient bamboo-based farming systems.
“Experts, researchers, and practitioners will share innovative solutions for building a sustainable food system.
“Our commitment to collaborative learning and development is key,” he said.
Event’s Cohost, Mr. Divine Ntiotam of GCSAYN praised SIBRED’s capacity to lead innovation in bamboo and rattan industries.
Ntiotam announced the official recognition of SIBRED as GCSAYN’s first Centre of Excellence on Bamboo Agroforestry under its decade-long mission.
“So, we are excited about this partnership, confident that bamboo will play a key role in building resilience to climate change”.
Goodwill messages
In a goodwill message, SIBRED’s Board member, Mrs Diana Doheny, highlighted bamboo’s diverse uses—from charcoal production, soil enrichment, erosion control, to entrepreneurship.
“John Ogbodo’s dedication to amplifying bamboo’s opportunities is truly commendable. This work is impactful and community-driven,” she said.
SIBRED co-initiator, Prof. Jatex Obi, expressed delight at the institute’s growing recognition and achievements.
He reiterated its commitment to positioning bamboo agroforestry as a flagship program for youth engagement and green innovation.
The event also drew praise from the Head of Department of Botany at the university, Dr. V. C. Ilodibia, represented by Prof. Raph Okigbo, who called on government to fund bamboo research and commercialization.
“Bamboo has huge untapped potential. I hope government sees the bigger picture and supports this intervention,” he said.
Also, stakeholders including Mr. Fortunate Fapounda (UK), Prof. Jerome Ihuma (Rwanda) and Prof. Derrick Dennis (India), sent in their goodwill messages,
Others were Michael Iwar (Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture, Makurdi), and Loretta Mmachukwu, Founder of Green Environment and Climate Change Initiative (GRENCHI).
The event climaxed with the induction of the first cohort of over 80 interns, mostly from UNIZIK’s Botany Department, into SIBRED’s bamboo internship program.
Participants at the dialogue session
