pannigeriannews 
By Sunday Adepoju
An Ibadan-based botanist and landscape horticulturist, Dr. Olubunmi Sodipo, has called on Nigerians and government at all levels to pay greater attention to the development of parks, gardens, and green spaces, describing them as vital to human health and national well-being.
Sodipo, CEO of Olubunmi Sodipo Decorations, a landscape horticulture and decorations company, stated this in an interview with Pan-Nigerian News in Ibadan on Wednesday.
He emphasised that flowers and gardens do far more than beautify the environment, adding that they play a critical role in improving both mental and physical health.
He said, “Flowers and gardens are vital to human health. They help reduce stress, encourage physical activity, boost mood, and promote social connection.
“Spending time in a garden or even viewing flowers can lower blood pressure, heart rate, and the body’s stress hormone, cortisol.”
According to the University of Lagos-trained botanist, who also holds a master’s degree in Botany (Palynology) from the University of Ibadan, contact with flowers and green spaces enhances mood and combats symptoms of depression and anxiety.
“The colours, fragrances, and natural beauty of flowers stimulate the release of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ chemical, which uplifts the mind and promotes happiness,” he added.
Sodipo explained that exposure to natural light and greenery improves memory, concentration, and attention span.
“Gardening activities have been shown to enhance brain function and may even help reduce the risk of dementia in older adults,” he said.
Beyond mental wellness, Sodipo pointed out that flowers and gardens also bring measurable physical health benefits.
He identified exercise, improved diet, and vitamin D production among the key advantages.
“Gardening involves physical activity like digging, weeding, raking, all of which strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and help maintain a healthy weight.
“When people garden outdoors, they get sunlight exposure that promotes the body’s production of vitamin D, essential for bone and immune health.”
He added that those who grow fruits and vegetables enjoy fresher, more nutritious food, while gardens generally improve air quality by releasing oxygen and filtering toxins such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
Sodipo cited scientific evidence suggesting that hospital patients who have access to flowers or garden views tend to recover faster and require less pain medication after surgery.
“Nature helps the body heal,” he noted.
On the government’s role, the horticulturist stressed that the provision and maintenance of public parks and gardens should be a core responsibility of local governments.
“Local authorities are the closest to the people; so they are best positioned to manage green spaces for community benefit. Community gardens not only beautify the environment but also create social bonds and reduce loneliness.”
He urged corporate bodies and wealthy individuals to support the development of green spaces as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.
“In a developing economy like ours, where many people are preoccupied with basic needs, companies can help by establishing and maintaining parks in their host communities. Wealthy individuals can also contribute to improving the nation’s greenery,” Dr. Sodipo advised.
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