By Bimbo Aderele
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has handed over the Kampe Games Reserve to the Federal Government as a National Park.
At the event in illorin, Governor AbdulRazaq explained that the handover followed the presidential declaration of November, 2020, and the subsequent passage by the National Assembly.
The governor who represented by his deputy, Mr. Kayode Alabi, described the handover as a significant step taken to improve the environment and advance the sustainability of the natural resources.
He explained that the inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfillment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for the transformation of the Kampe Games Reserve into a National Park.
AbdulRazaq noted that the committee, which comprises cabinet members, traditional leaders, and other senior citizens, is tasked with guiding the process and bringing their invaluable experience to ensure the successful transition.
On his part, the Minister of Environment Mallam Balarabe Abbas who was represented by the Conservator General National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, said former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari had approved the upgrade of ten Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, including Kampe Forest Reserve, increasing the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to seventeen.
He said the establishment aligns with the country’s efforts to meet global biodiversity conservation targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and to enhance internal security.
In his remarks, the Emir of Patigi Ibrahim Umar Bologi thanked the state government for taking a bold step to hand over the KAMPE reserve to National Park.
He pledged the support of the Emirate to the Federal Government towards the realization of the project.
