OSUN state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke has said the exposure to danger of some species of diverse plants and animals due to activities such as logging, hunting, and other human factors spurred it to reconsider inviting the Federal Government to take over the Oba Hills Forest Reserve in Iwo local government, of the state.
Governor Adeleke also revealed that the predicament formed part of the reason that the Osun State Government engaged the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, in April 2013 to conduct a comprehensive survey of the reserve.
The findings revealed a high degree of degradation, which he said called for urgent intervention.
Adeleke made this known on Tuesday at the handing over of Oba Hills Forest Reserve to the Federal Government at the State Secretariat, Abere.
He said, “In response, Osun State reached out to the National Park Service to propose the reserve’s upgrade to National Park status. In 2021, this request was granted. Today, we witnessed the realization of that effort.”
The governor revealed that the reserve which will be known as Oba Hills National Park spans 4,225 hectares across the Iwo, Ejigbo, and Ola-Oluwa local government areas.
Adeleke expressed gratitude to the Conservator-General and the entire National Park Service for their total commitment to facilitating the handover process, stressing that the state remained interested in the operations of the park.
“As we transfer the management of Oba Hills Forest Reserve to the National Park Service, I must stress that Osun State remains deeply interested in the operations of the park. Today’s event aligns with our broader climate change agenda, as we recognize the critical role of the ecosystem in reducing global warming and ensuring sustainable development.
“I also urge the National Park Service to prioritise the recruitment of qualified indigenes of Osun State as officers and men to operate the park. Local content is a state policy here in Osun State. The policy strengthens benefits for local communities and facilitates local ownership. We seek enforcement of that policy in the operations of the park.
“On this note, I officially hand over the Oba Hills Forest Reserve to the Honourable Minister of Environment for its transformation into a National Park, under the stewardship of the National Park Service.”
Speaking on behalf of the Minster for Environment, Bakare Abbas Lawal, the Conservator General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni said the upgrade of the Oba Hills National Park by the Federal Government will make it an ecotourism hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide.
Lawal also disclosed that it will contribute to the local economy and the country’s GDP.
“This presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Nigerian landscape while generating economic opportunities for local communities. The potential for sustainable job creation, increased revenue, and community development should not be underestimated.”
The Minister while revealing that the journey towards upgrading the Reserve to a National Park began in 2012 when the Osun State government expressed interest in the transition, added that in November 2020, former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari approved the upgrade of Ten Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, including Oba Hill.
He said the action by the Buhari administration increased the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to seventeen.
“This establishment aligns with our country’s efforts to meet global biodiversity conservation targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and to enhance internal security. The ten (10) new National Parks are as follows:
“Oba Hills National Park in Osun State, which is being handed over today, Hadejia Wetland National Park in Jigawa State (taken over 10th September 2024 from the Jigawa State Government), Allawa National Park in Niger State, Apoi National Park in Bayelsa State, Edumanom National Park in Bayelsa State, Falgore National Park in Kano State.
“Kogo National Park in Katsina State, Kampe National Park in Kwara State, Marhai National Park in Nasarawa State, Pandam National Park in Plateau State.”
The Minister said steps have been taken to ensure smooth management of the National park which includes; “Part of these efforts involves engaging with key stakeholders at local and international levels. We are also collaborating with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, and other security agencies to enhance the capacity of Rangers and Forest and Game Guards through training, the provision of additional arms and ammunition, and the acquisition of technology-based patrol equipment. These initiatives aim to strengthen security within and around our forest areas.
“In an effort to kick off effectively, the National Park Service has appointed Assistant Conservator of Parks, Azeez Kazeem Olakunle as Ag. Conservator of Parks to oversee the day-to-day affairs of the Park pending the appointment of a substantive Conservator of Park. The Service has also procured the following items for the Park:
“Vehicle: Toyota Hilux 4WD, motorcycles, bicycles, arms and ammunition, office furniture and equipment: consisting of a desktop computer, laptop computer, printers, scanner, photocopier, office chairs, office table, and refrigerator, complete set of uniform and accoutrements, patrol equipment and amping Equipment.”
He said the service will absorb indigenes of the state who indicate interest in working with the federal government and tax will be remitted to the state government.