GASPRO International Journal of Eminent Scholars

The study was conducted to assess the economically valued forest plant species at the site and host communities of the Akwa Ibom State (Godswill Akpabio) International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in 2015. Quadrants of 20m x 20m were laid randomly along five 1km line transect and accordingly assessed. Thirty tree species producing various economically valued products were assessed and trees of 30cm tall and above were counted as present. 7 out of the 28 Tree species were observed to be rare while 21 were abundant. Fifteen species of shrubs were assessed out of which, 8 were identified as abundant and rare (5). Products collected from these plants have varying use categories as leafy vegetables, edible and medicinal fruits, leaves, seeds, barks, fodder, poles, timber, stakes and chew sticks. As observed in the studied area, there is already over exploitation of economically valued trees and shrub species, especially at the site and host communities to the International Stadium. The study established that over exploitation, exploration and conversion of forest ecosystems in the area has brought about decimation of biodiversity as well as extinction of many valuable trees, plants and animal species. It is strongly recommended that domestication of indigenous fruit trees and shrub species be encouraged and supported. Indigenous fruits trees should be established on the streets of Uyo Capital City and Local Government Headquarters to mitigate the effect of climate change and provide fruits and food for the people. Monthly Tree planting exercise should be re-introduced in all the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria, so as to replace destroyed and nearly extinct fruit trees, plants and animal species. Conservation efforts through the establishment of nature reserves, botanical gardens, sacred grooves, sanctuaries, rare breed centres, game banks and on-site gene banks should be supported to enhance sustainability of environment.