In a significant stride toward the goals of Project 200 under the leadership of Prof. Charles Esimone, the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED) has achieved a remarkable milestone by gaining official recognition as the sole African Institute admitted into the International Network of Universities and Research Centers focused on Bamboo. Affiliated with the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) headquartered in China, SIBRED’s inclusion expands the membership of RIUCI Bamboo to 13, encompassing countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, England, Mexico, Panama, the United States, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic.
Ir. John Agbo Ogbodo, the Acting Director of the Sahelian Institute, outlined the core objectives of this alignment. These include the promotion of research successes, innovation, and bamboo development projects among network members, fostering knowledge exchange through interactions among professors, researchers, and students, and creating a platform for discussion and information dissemination focused on research and innovation. The overarching aim is to contribute to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the utilization of bamboo.
The Director, Ir. John Agbo Ogbodo, apprised the Vice-Chancellor that the letter of intent signed between SIBRED and INBAR elucidates the common interests and areas of agreement between the parties. This agreement outlines the potential collaborative efforts in research and inter-institutional cooperation activities, aligning with the RIUCI Bamboo Enabling document’s key aspects, operations, and roles of its members.
Upon receiving the report, the Vice-Chancellor expressed appreciation for the noteworthy representation of SIBRED, UNIZIK, and Africa at large by Ir. John Agbo Ogbodo (the director) and Prof Ejeatuluchukwu Obi within the International RIUC Bamboo Consortium.