*Say’s its a potential for job creation
By; ACHADU GABRIEL, Kaduna
Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Umar Namadi has officially handed over the Hadejia Wetland Games Reserve as a National Park to Hon. Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s renewed Hope Agenda and Green Initiative.
Minister Abbas Lawal was aptly represented by the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, during the ceremony held Tuesday in the state.
According to him, the monumental event which took place at the Council Chamber of the State Government House, Dutse, marked a significant step forward in the protection and preservation of one of Nigeria’s most vital ecosystems.
He also said “The Hadejia Wetlands, known for its rich biodiversity and environmental importance, will now enjoy greater conservation efforts and resources as it joins the National Park network.
“This handover symbolizes a commitment to sustainable development, safeguarding wildlife, and enhancing eco-tourism opportunities for the people of Jigawa and beyond.
“We commend the leadership of Governor Umar Namadi and Minister Balarabe Abbas Lawal for their dedication to preserving our natural heritage. Together, we are shaping a greener future for Nigeria.
The Minister stated that the occasion marks a significant milestone in federal government collective effort to preserve and protect country’s natural heritage for the benefit of future generations.
“I wish to extend the gratitude of the Federal Government of Nigeria to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, Mallam Umar Namadi, FCA and indeed the government and people of Jigawa state for this enlightened decision to hand over this invaluable asset to the Federal Government.
“This demonstrates a shared commitment to conservation that transcends political boundaries, underscoring an unwavering dedication towards safeguarding the environment and making the world a better place to live in.
“Hadejia Wetlands Game Reserve holds a delicate balance that sustains life and provides crucial ecosystem services. It serves as a sanctuary for numerous wildlife species, including birds, amphibians, and fishes, and safeguards biodiversity.
“The Park will undoubtedly become an eco-tourism hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide. This presents an excellent opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Nigerian landscape while generating economic opportunities for communities.
“The potential for sustainable job creation, increased revenue, and community development should not be underestimated”, he said, adding that the journey of upgrading the Hadejia Wetlands Game Reserve to a National Park began in 2011 when the Jigawa state government expressed interest in the upgrade.
He added that “In November 2020, the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, approved the upgrade of ten (10) Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, including Hadejia Wetlands, bringing the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to seventeen (17).
“Establishing these Parks aligns with our country’s efforts to achieve global biodiversity conservation targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and improve internal security.
“As a Ministry, we are well aware of the challenges associated with the effective management of the Reserve, as we are already taking necessary steps to deal with them.
“Part of these steps is the engagement of the Ministry with Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project to assist in the construction of a five room Rangers’ barracks, in addition to designing management and system plans.
“We are also actively engaging with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Armed Forces, and other security outfits to enhance the capacity of Rangers and Forest and Game Guards through training, additional arms and ammunition, and technology-based patrol equipment.
“These efforts aim to improve internal security within and around our forest areas. Your Excellency, be rest assured that we will utilize the best available technologies, scientific expertise, and community involvement to protect this invaluable natural asset for future generations.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Your Excellency for your resilience in ensuring that the action taken by your predecessor sees the light of the day. Your dedication to safeguarding our planet is truly commendable, and your role in the sustainable development of our nation cannot be understated.
“To the Indigenous People and Local Communities residing near the Park, I assure you that your voices will be heard, and your interests will be taken into consideration.
“We are committed to promoting community-led conservation approaches that foster a sense of ownership and enable you to benefit equitably from the Park’s resources.
“Our goal is to forge a strong partnership between the federal government, state authorities, and the local populace to ensure the success of the National Park project”, he stated.
