Northern Africa Regional Meeting 2023 

Event Report

Background of the Event: Northern Africa Regional Meeting 2023

The Northern African Regional Meeting 2023  was organized and hosted by the Federal University of Technology Akure Local Committee (FUTA LC) in Nigeria. The event lasted seven days and attracted 100 participants, with over 50% traveling down to Akure specifically for the meeting. The purpose of the meeting was to promote regional cooperation, cultural exchange, and intellectual discourse among participants from Northern African countries. The agenda included discussions, workshops, cultural activities, and excursions to local landmarks. The event aimed to foster friendships, inspire innovative solutions, and contribute to regional development and integrations.

Date: 19th to 25th of June.

Northern Africa Regional Meeting Report: Day 1 (19TH JUNE 2023)

Day 1 of the event focused on the smooth arrival and registration of delegates and the allocation of hotel accommodations. Participants from various LC and countries arrived at the venue, underwent registration, and received their event materials. Hotel rooms were assigned to ensure the comfort and convenience of all attendees. 

Informal interactions allowed delegates to begin networking and establish connections with fellow participants. We didn’t have any program on the day of arrival as the people were tired due to long-distance traveling.

Arrival and Registration of Participants from various LC

Northern Africa Regional Meeting Report: Day 2 (20TH JUNE 2023)

Opening Ceremony and Conference (20th June):

The 2nd day of the regional meeting kicked off with an impactful opening ceremony. Distinguished guests, including government officials, regional representatives, and esteemed experts in the field, were in attendance. The ceremony provided a platform to emphasize the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in addressing the region’s challenges and advancing its growth.

Following the opening ceremony, a highly informative conference was held. Renowned speakers delivered presentations, shedding light on various topics relevant to the region. These encompassed socio-economic development, environmental conservation, and sustainable practices. Attendees actively participated in discussions and exchanged ideas, experiences, and best practices.

NARM 23 OPEN CONFERENCE

Tree Garden Tour:

A notable highlight of the day was the guided tour of the Futa School’s tree garden, which aimed to promote environmental awareness and the significance of trees in the region. Participants were taken on a comprehensive exploration of the garden, led by expert botanists and arborists. The tour focused on identifying indigenous tree species, understanding their ecological importance, and appreciating their cultural significance.

Throughout the tour, attendees had the opportunity to engage with the guides, ask questions, and learn about the efforts undertaken by the school and local communities to preserve and restore the region’s green cover. The tour not only enhanced participants’ knowledge of the local flora but also emphasized the crucial role of trees in mitigating climate change and providing a sustainable future for Northern Africa.

Dr Lawal from the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, identifying trees

Title: Northern Africa Regional Meeting Report: Day 3

Date: 21st June (Visitation to Idanre Hills)

The 3rd day of the Northern Africa Regional Meeting, held on wednesday 21st of June, was marked by an insightful visit to Idanre Hills in Akure. Participants had the unique opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscape and learn about the ancient historical records of the area, particularly those related to forestry.

The highlight of the day was a visit to Idanre Hills, a renowned natural and cultural heritage site in Akure. The hills, with their magnificent panoramic views and rich history, provided an ideal setting for participants to delve into the region’s forestry heritage and conservation efforts.

During the visit, attendees were accompanied by knowledgeable guides who shared fascinating insights into the landscape and its significance to the local communities. The guides provided historical context, highlighting the importance of the hills in relation to forestry practices and the utilization of natural resources by indigenous communities throughout the years.

Northern African Regional Meeting report Day 4 (22ND JUNE 2023)

Day 4 of the Northern African Regional Meeting focused on keynote speaker sessions and lectures centered around the present and future of forestry, with a particular emphasis on engaging youths and students. The objective was to raise awareness among young individuals about the importance of sustainable forest management and inspire them to become active participants in conserving and protecting forests.

Keynote Speaker Session:

The day commenced with a keynote address by a renowned forestry expert Academia, Prof S.O Akindele.The speaker provided valuable insights into the current state of Northern Africa’s forests and the challenges they face. They emphasized the crucial role that young people play in safeguarding forests for future generations. The keynote session set the tone for the day, highlighting the significance of involving youths in forestry discussions.

Interactive discussions and question-and-answer segments were encouraged throughout the sessions. This allowed attendees to actively engage with the speakers and experts, exchange ideas, share experiences, and seek clarification on forestry-related topics. The interactive nature of the discussions fostered a collaborative learning environment and promoted knowledge-sharing among participants.

Keynote Speaker (Prof S.O Akindele)

The day provided an excellent platform for networking and collaboration among various stakeholders, including students, professionals, researchers, and policymakers. The attendees had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, exchange contact information, and establish relationships that could lead to future collaborations in forestry.

Day 4 of the Northern African Regional Meeting on Forestry successfully engaged and inspired youths and students by providing valuable insights into the present and future of forestry. The keynote speaker sessions and lectures focused on creating awareness about the importance of sustainable forest management and encouraging active participation from young individuals. The interactive discussions, showcasing of youth-led initiatives, and opportunities for networking and collaboration contributed to fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment among the attendees toward the conservation and protection of Northern Africa’s forests.

Northern African Regional Meeting: Day 5 Report (23RD JUNE 2023)

Visitation to Ikogosi warm Spring and Arinta waterfall

On the fifth day of the Northern African regional meeting, delegates visited the breathtaking Arinta Waterfall and Ikogosi Warm Spring. The participants enjoyed exploring the picturesque waterfall, taking nature walks, and capturing memorable photographs. At the Ikogosi Warm Spring, they marveled at the convergence of hot and cold springs, immersing themselves in the unique blend of temperatures. The excursion provided a much-needed break from the conference schedule, fostering camaraderie and facilitating discussions on environmental conservation and cultural preservation. Overall, the visit to these natural wonders was a resounding success, leaving lasting impressions on the delegates and showcasing the beauty of Nigeria.

Watch the unavailable dance challenge at NARM 2023 using this link

https://drive.google.com/file/d/14elZUjgWIA8jIPgPHEb5cdTu4DgMssfI/view?usp=drive_link

Northern African Regional Meeting: Day 6 (24th June)

Event: Games and International Night (Closing Ceremony)

The sixth and final day of the Northern African regional meeting was filled with excitement and celebration as delegates engaged in a day of games followed by the highly anticipated International Night, which marked the event’s closing ceremony. This day allowed participants to showcase their sportsmanship, cultural heritage and bid farewell to an eventful gathering.

The morning commenced with various games organized for the delegates. The games aimed to promote teamwork, friendly competition, and physical activity. Participants enthusiastically participated in various sports, including play stations, virtual reality games, and all other indoor games. The friendly atmosphere and spirit of camaraderie prevailed throughout, creating an enjoyable and memorable experience for all involved.

The day’s activities fostered unity, appreciation for diverse cultures, and a sense of accomplishment. The memories created during this final day will serve as a lasting reminder of the fruitful discussions and connections made throughout the regional meeting.

IFSA activities by Bright Kusi Appiah, the NARR

The Northern Africa Regional Meeting of the International Forestry Students Association (IFSA) featured a workshop focused on introducing participants to IFSA and its benefits. The workshop covered key aspects such as IFSA’s organizational structure, the functions of the IFSA office, and the advantages of active involvement. Participants learned about the roles and responsibilities of IFSA’s Executive Board, Regional Representatives, and Local Committees. They were informed about the resources available through IFSA, including research publications, international events, and networking opportunities. The workshop emphasized the personal and professional growth that can be achieved through engagement with IFSA. Additionally, the meeting included the election of a regional representative who will serve as a liaison between the regional IFSA members and the global organization. The event fostered collaboration and unity among forestry students in the Northern African region, setting the stage for continued cooperation in the future.

Regional Representatives Election

On saturday, 24th of June 2023, Mukhtar Abdulquadir and Oluwafunminiyi Joshua Oyebode vetted the aspirants for the RR positions. The aspirants included Bright Kusi Appiah those who served as regional representatives from 2022-2023. At the end of the 24 hours of voting, Bright Kusi Appiah was again elected as the regional representative with the President from Funaab LC in Nigeria in the person of Toloupe Adewemimo Stephen.

Closing Statement from the Host:

On behalf of the IFSA Region, Department of Forestry and Wood Technology FUTA CHAPTER LC, we would like to express our sincere gratitude for the successful Northern Africa Regional Meeting of IFSA. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the participants who made the event successful.

We would like to acknowledge and appreciate the unwavering support from the IFSA Alumni, whose contributions were invaluable in organizing and executing the meeting. Their guidance, mentorship, and willingness to share their IFSA experiences added immense value to the event, inspiring and motivating the participants.

A special mention goes to Mr Alex Bimbo Onatunji, who traveled from afar to share his IFSA journey with all the participants. His presence and insights truly enriched the meeting, providing a unique perspective and inspiring the next generation of forestry students.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the alumni and individuals who generously contributed financially to ensure the event’s success. The support of Samuel O Adeyanju, Adekugbe Oluwaseun, and others made it possible to create a memorable and impactful gathering.

Mr Alex Onatunji sharing his  IFSA experience with Narm 23 Participants

Lastly, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the IFSA officials who graced the event with their physical presence. Their presence lent credibility and a sense of connection to the global IFSA community, reinforcing the importance of regional meetings in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

In conclusion, the Northern Africa Regional Meeting of IFSA provided a remarkable platform for forestry students to learn about IFSA, engage in workshops, and elect a regional representative. We are truly grateful to everyone involved for their contributions, commitment, and enthusiasm. Through collective efforts and shared experiences, we continue to strengthen the forestry community and pave the way for a sustainable future.

More Pictures

https://samibt.pixieset.com/narmsvisittoidanrehills

https://samibt.pixieset.com/narm23

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1j30498t0Wrr7-fikMiG0zXXC4ORmGNrU?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=1i3cgYy1pyST3NO-n1q18nX8A2lonWIYB

Authors: BRIGHT KUSI APPIAH, RR / OWOYEMI OLAKANMI ELIJAH (NARM 23 HOC)