Since inception, IITA Forest Center has enjoyed the support of esteemed sponsors who appreciate the need to invest in nature and biodiversity conservation. On December 2, the IITA Forest Center celebrated the life and contributions of Anastasio Paul Leventis, a legendary conservationist and one of the first donors to the Center. His unwavering support, particularly for bird monitoring and surveys in southwest Nigeria, was instrumental in establishing the IITA Forest Center as a Key Biodiversity Area. This event highlighted his impact on African biodiversity conservation and his enduring legacy.
The celebration was graced by distinguished guests, including Phil Hall, Board Chairman of the A.P. Leventis Ornithological Research Institute (APLORI); Ahmed Mantey, Chairman of the Leventis Foundation; IITA Deputy Director General for Corporate Services, Hilde Koper-Limbourg; IITA Forest Center Manager, Adewale Awoyemi; and staff of the IITA Forest Center.
As an avid bird enthusiast, Leventis began the day with birdwatching, including his favorite, the Ahanta Francolin. The event featured a captivating dance drama by Lead City University’s Dosu Music House, delivering a powerful message about conserving biodiversity for human well-being.
In her opening remarks, Koper-Limbourg warmly welcomed Leventis and the Leventis Foundation team and praised the Forest Center’s commitment to biodiversity conservation despite numerous challenges. Awoyemi echoed this sentiment, expressing deep gratitude to Leventis for his transformative support, which has fueled the Center’s efforts to protect nature.
A highlight of the event was the presentation of a hand-painted artwork of the Ahanta Francolin to Leventis, a token of appreciation for his invaluable contributions. Moved by the celebratory gesture and remarkable progress of the Forest Center, Leventis pledged continued support for the Forest Center, stating, “This is only the beginning. We assure you of our continued support of the IITA Forest Center for more groundbreaking conservation works.”
Phil Hall also applauded the Center’s achievements and promised to support efforts to secure additional funding and grants. To commemorate his contributions, IITA representatives presented Hall with a hand-painted portrait of himself holding a bird.
The celebration concluded with a group lunch during which attendees were able to interact with the honored Leventis. The IITA Forest Center remains deeply inspired by its legacy and looks forward to advancing its mission to conserve biodiversity.
Contributed by Folake Oduntan
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