In a historic event held in Ilorin, the Kwara State, Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq on Tuesday inaugurated a steering committee for the transfer of the Kampe Games Reserve to the Federal Government as a National Park.
The Governor also officially handed over the reserve to the Federal Government as a national park with all key stakeholders in attendance.
According to Daily Independent Newspaper, the governor was represented at the occasion by Elder Kayode Alabi, the Deputy Governor of the state. The governor described the moment as a significant step taken to improve the environment and advance the sustainability of natural resources.
He added that the event marked a crucial moment in our collective efforts, and the inauguration of the steering committee was a fulfillment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for transforming the Kampe Games Reserve into a National Park.
He tasked the Steering Committee to guide the process and bring their invaluable experience to ensure a successful transition. Also, Mal. Balarabe Lawal, the Minister of Environment, in his speech, said former President Muhammadu Buhari, had approved the upgrade of 10 forest and game reserves to national parks, increasing the total number of national parks in the country to 17. Lawal represented by Dr. Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator General, National Park Service, stated that the establishment of additional national parks aligned with the country’s efforts to meet global biodiversity conservation targets, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and to enhance internal security.
He commended the Kwara State governor’s swift response to the call by the Federal Government, saying his commitment to protecting the planet was truly commendable. He added that this role in the sustainable development of the nation was invaluable. The Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, thanked the governor for taking the bold step to hand over Kampe Game Reserve to the NPS. The Royal father, who is the vice chairman of Kwara State traditional council, promised total cooperation of the host communities towards a seamless transition process. Also, the Conservator General’s entourage included Dr. MA Kabir, Assistant Conservator General, Ecology and Resource Management and the ceremony was attended by the state’s cabinet members, including Prof. Muhammed Shiaba, the Secretary to the State Government.
