Vice Chancellor of the
Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Professor Blessing C. Didia has called for optimal utilisation of mangrove resources in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.
Making the call to the leadership of the Forestry Association of Nigeria, RSUST chapter, who paid him a courtesy call recently, the vice Chancellor noted that the region is blessed with abundant forestry reserves capable of serving the entire country.
Professor Didia, who was represented by his Deputy, Professor Boma Oruwari, challenged members of the forestry Association to do more in the areas of research in order to come up with enduring solution to what he called “under utilisation of abundant forest reserves.”
In the same vein, the vice Chancellor also called on stakeholders in the Niger Delta to sustain the struggle for the emancipation of the region.
The Vice Chancellor who was simultaneously playing host to a non-governmental organisation, Niger Delta Youths forum, used the occasion to assure that the university will adopt policies to enlighten and educate the youths on issues concerning the region.
Earlier, leadership of the youth body led by comrades Emmanuel Goodhead, has expressed satisfaction over what they called “monumental achievements” of the Vice Chancellor within a short period of his appointment.
Godhead noted that the organisation has been keenly following the track record of the VC and has found him worthy to be given an award and certificate as the grand patron of the organisation.
“We have known you as a man of excellence whose avuncular disposition and administrative prowess has brought positive change to the university community”, he said.
He, however, described Professor Didia as a father to the Niger Delta youths and role model to all development minded people.