Governor Adeleke, in a significant move to protect and conserve Nigeria’s natural resources, on behalf of the Osun State Government has formally handed over the Oba Hills Forest Reserve to the Federal Government.
This decision was made to safeguard the reserve’s biodiversity and ecosystem, which have been threatened by human activities such as logging, hunting, and farming.
Governor Adeleke revealed that the state government had engaged the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in 2013 to conduct a comprehensive survey of the reserve.
The findings showed a high degree of degradation, prompting the state government to seek the Federal Government’s intervention.
The Oba Hills Forest Reserve, now upgraded to a National Park, spans 4,225 hectares across three local government areas in Osun State.
The park is expected to become an ecotourism hotspot, generating revenue and creating jobs for local communities.
Conservation Efforts;
The National Park Service has appointed Assistant Conservator of Parks, Azeez Kazeem Olakunle, as the acting Conservator of Parks to oversee the park’s daily operations.
The service has also procured essential items, including vehicles, motorcycles, and office equipment, to facilitate the park’s management.
Benefits and Opportunities of Governor Adeleke’s Action;
The upgrade of the Oba Hills Forest Reserve to a National Park is expected to contribute to the local economy and Nigeria’s GDP.
The park will also provide opportunities for sustainable job creation, increased revenue, and community development.
Challenges and Future Plans;
Despite the progress made, the park still faces challenges such as encroachment, deforestation, and poaching.
To address these issues, the National Park Service plans to engage with local stakeholders, collaborate with security agencies, and provide training and equipment for park rangers.
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