Women restore Oloibiri Forest with 7,750 trees
Women in Otuabagi community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have restored a degraded section of the Oloibiri swamp forest by planting 7,750 raffia palms, earning commendation from the community’s traditional ruler, Chief Wisdom Otolo.
Otolo, the head of the Agili community in Otuabagi, praised the Otuabagi Women Farmers’ Cooperative Society (OWFCS) for the initiative, which was carried out in the Ekpadior Forest between February and May.
Women in Otuabagi community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have restored a degraded section of the Oloibiri swamp forest by planting 7,750 raffia palms, earning commendation from the community's traditional ruler, Chief Wisdom Otolo. Otolo, the head of the Agili community in Otuabagi, praised the Otuabagi Women Farmers’ Cooperative Society (OWFCS) for the initiative, which was carried out in the Ekpadior Forest between February and May.
Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa
Women in Otuabagi community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, have restored a degraded section of the Oloibiri swamp forest by planting 7,750 raffia palms, earning commendation from the community’s traditional ruler, Chief Wisdom Otolo.
Otolo, the head of the Agili community in Otuabagi, praised the Otuabagi Women Farmers’ Cooperative Society (OWFCS) for the initiative, which was carried out in the Ekpadior Forest between February and May.
He described the project as a major contribution to environmental restoration and ecological sustainability, noting that it would strengthen conservation efforts and improve the long-term environmental health of the area.
Otuabagi, home to Nigeria’s first commercial oil well at Oloibiri, has endured decades of environmental degradation associated with oil exploration activities. The women-led project aims to revive the once-thriving raffia forest and restore biodiversity in the oil-polluted ecosystem.
The restoration project was facilitated by the Community Environment and Development Network (CEDEN) and funded by the Global Greengrants Fund. The women surpassed their initial target of 7,000 raffia palms by planting a total of 7,750 seedlings.
Chairperson of the cooperative, Derite Inara, said the initiative provided participants with valuable knowledge and practical experience in environmental restoration. She commended members for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the exercise.
The cooperative’s Secretary, Sarah Emiebo, pledged the group’s continued commitment to protecting and conserving economically valuable tree species within the community. She noted that women in Otuabagi have traditionally played a vital role in preserving local ecological resources.
Financial Secretary, Warikiente Walama, said the project underscored the economic and nutritional importance of raffia palms to the ecosystem. She added that many younger women gained first-hand experience in establishing raffia nurseries and understanding their livelihood potential.
Treasurer Azibaolanami Egbo said the initiative fostered unity and cooperation among women in the community.
The women leaders also called for stronger partnerships with government agencies to expand economic opportunities for rural women.
Otolo expressed appreciation to the Global Greengrants Fund, Social Action, and the Bayelsa State Ministry of Environment for supporting the forest restoration project.
