By Sylvester Enoghase

Copyright independent

Prince Adebanjo Adejuwon, GMD/CEO of MBH Global Resources, a US-based forestry sustainability advocate, in this interview with SYLVESTER ENOGHASE, speaks on how Sustainable Forest Management (SFM) has holistic approach to managing forests by balancing environmental protection, social needs, and economic growth. Excerpts:

Who is Prince Adebanjo Adejuwon, and what inspired the founding of MBH Global Resources?

Prince Adebanjo Adejuwon is the GMD/ CEO of MBH Global Resources, a US-based sustainability advocate with a background in business administration, management, and agriculture. His passion for environmental conservation was shaped during his childhood in Ijare, Ondo State, Nigeria, where he witnessed widespread deforestation without regeneration.

This experience, combined with his entrepreneurial and agricultural expertise, inspired him to establish MBH Global Resources as a platform to regenerate Africa’s forests, restore degraded lands, and empower communities through sustainable solutions.

What is the mission of MBH Global Resources towards a greener planet?

MBH Global Resources is an environmentally focused enterprise leading large-scale forest regeneration and land restoration presently within southwestern Nigeria and intention to go further beyond.

Through agroforestry, economic tree farming, consulting, and nursery operations, the company aligns with climate-smart practices and global ecological goals.

By working with governments and private partners, MBH Global Resources transforms degraded landscapes into ecosystems that support biodiversity, secure livelihoods, and drive long-term climate resilience.

Can you enumerate the aims of MBH Global Resources?

Our aims are quite outstanding. They include: Promoting Sustainable Forest Management (SFM): Balancing environmental, social, and economic needs while safeguarding forests for future generations through scaling Afforestation and Reforestation: Restoring degraded lands through tree planting, biodiversity enhancement, and carbon sequestration; advancing Climate-Smart Agriculture: Integrating ecological land use with sustainable farming systems that build resilience and food security; engaging End Users Through Green Solutions: Reducing deforestation by providing sustainable alternatives that support livelihoods and cultural values,fostering International Partnerships: Collaborating with governments, global stakeholders, and the private sector to scale ecosystem restoration.

Our core principle is to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. SFM goes beyond harvesting trees, it emphasises stewardship of the entire ecosystem, ensuring that forests remain healthy, diverse, and productive for the long term. The idea of embracing tree planting to save forests, tackle land deforestation and sustain the greener future has become a global phenomenon.

Our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s effort on green revolution no doubt is Africa’s leading catalyst for forest regeneration and set a benchmark in sustainable land management and climate change advocacy.

At what stage did the company conceive the idea of tree planting?

The vision for tree planting emerged in response to global climate agreements such as the Paris Accord of 2016.

Building on agricultural expertise and entrepreneurship, MBH Global Resources launched its initiatives five years ago. Since then, it has advanced forest regeneration projects, collaborated with governments on reforestation goals, and mobilised investments for climate-smart development.

Nigeria still belongs to the continent where millions don’t have access to clean cooking and rural end users contribute a lot to deforestation through fetching firewood.

How can this end?

Energy poverty remains a root cause of deforestation.

MBH Global Resources advocates for promoting clean cooking technologies and renewable alternatives while scaling afforestation projects.

By offering end users practical green solutions and reducing reliance on firewood, the company addresses both environmental degradation and social needs.

You said you started about five years ago, can you mention some of the achievements so far?

Beginning with family-owned land at Oreseun ijare, in Ifedore Local Government Area, Ondo State, MBH Global Resources has grown into a regional leader in reforestation.

A landmark achievement is a Public-Private Partnership with Ondo and Ekiti States restoring over 1,000 hectares of degraded land through planting thousands of economic trees. This initiative combats deforestation, creates jobs, protects biodiversity, and strengthens rural economies, demonstrating a scalable global model.

Can you throw more light on the economic implications, benefits and the sustainability of the projects?

Sustainable forestry creates both ecological resilience and economic opportunities. By engaging communities in tree planting and agroforestry, MBH Global Resources provides jobs, enhances food security, and generates long-term industrial value.

Species like Melina, Teak, Afara, Obese, Opepe, Iroko and so on are used in industries ranging from paper to furniture. Though capital-intensive, such projects attract sustainable investments, proving that environmental stewardship and economic growth go hand in hand.

While protecting the environment, the business aspect is what keeps it going. What are the economic benefits of these trees?

The trees planted by MBH Global Resources generate significant economic returns.

Melina trees can be used in paper and other industries within three to four years, while hardwoods such as Iroko provide valuable timber over longer cycles. Diversifying tree species ensures continuous supply, supporting industries while maintaining ecological balance.

How do you get the seeds to do all these things?

Seeds are sourced from established nurseries and plantations. Some of the earliest farms managed by MBH Global Resources now produce their own seeds, ensuring sustainability and reducing reliance on external suppliers.

Tree planting is capital intensive, and a long-term project. And with the difficulty in getting the commitment of government across levels, how do you get private investors to buy into this idea?

MBH Global Resources encourages investment by offering scalable, lower-risk models. Rather than funding from the beginning, investors can buy into established plantations with proven survival rates. This ensures predictable returns while advancing long-term forest regeneration.

What constitutes the difficulty in getting them to believe in it?

The primary challenge is early-stage investment, as young plantations require high maintenance. MBH Global Resources builds investor confidence by showcasing successful projects, ensuring transparency, and demonstrating forestry’s long-term economic and environmental returns.

You have carried out two successful tree planting projects in Ondo and Ekiti. Are you planning to expand your tentacles to other states?

Yes. MBH Global Resources has proposals with several southern states and is preparing to expand into northern regions where deforestation is more severe. Using irrigation and sustainable technologies, the company aims to scale its restoration projects nationwide and across Africa.

The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, recently raised an alarm over Nigeria’s forest depletion. What effort is your organisation making to involve the Federal Government?

MBH Global Resources aligns with national sustainability goals and promotes forestry as an economic engine. Drawing inspiration from countries such as Vietnam, Brazil, and Ethiopia, the company advocates for Nigeria to industrialize its forests, generating revenue, jobs, and resilience.

How does this touch on the end users and educational advantages?

There is plan on ground to collaborate with institutions offering forest-related courses in order to build capacity and provide end users with training, internships, and career development opportunities, thereby preparing a new generation of sustainability professionals.

On a final note, what is your message to stakeholders?

MBH Global Resources calls on governments, private investors, and international organizations to support large-scale forest regeneration with policies, equipment, and collaboration. Restoring ecosystems is a global responsibility, and with collective effort, biodiversity can be protected, economies strengthened, and a sustainable future secured for generations to come.