The Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED) is the first Africa’s specialized university-based bamboo research and entrepreneurship development entity that was established in February, 2023 under the pragmatic leadership of Professor Charles Okechukwu Esimone, FAS, FPSN, as Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Southeast Nigeria.



SIBRED’s establishment was brokered by the Sustainable TransEnvironment International Foundation (STEi Foundation) – an environmental sustainability NGO – in alliance with two leading partners, namely: the International Network on Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) in China and Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment, FCT, Abuja; towards harnessing the tremendous potential for sustainable utilization of the various native and introduced bamboo species for research and industrial development.

SIBRED officially took off in September, 2023 and the University Senate ratified the VC’s approval on SIBRED establishment in November 2023. Ir. John Agbo Ogbodo was appointed as the Founding Director of the Sahelian Institute for Bamboo Research and Entrepreneurship Development (SIBRED) in September, 2023. The Honorable Minister of Environment in Abuja serves as the Advisory Board Chairman while the Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, is the Co-Chair of SIBRED Advisory Board.
Ir. John Agbo Ogbodo, the Acting Director of SIBRED, 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, briefed the Vice-Chancellor on the letter of intent signed between SIBRED and INBAR, highlighting the mutual interests and areas of collaboration outlined therein. This agreement delineates potential joint research initiatives and inter-institutional cooperation activities, aligning closely with the key objectives, operations, and roles outlined in the RIUCI Bamboo Enabling document.
The Vice-Chancellor commended the exemplary representation of SIBRED, UNIZIK, and the broader African community by Ir. John Agbo Ogbodo (the director) and Prof. Ejeatuluchukwu Obi within the International RIUC Bamboo Consortium.