Ayobami Agboola 
…As Gov Adeleke transfers 4,225 hectares of Forest reserves to FG
The Minister for Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to engaging relevant security agencies to effectively protect forest reserves across the country.
The Minister, represented by the Conservator-General of National Park Reserves, Dr Ibrahim Musa, made this statement during the official handover of the Oba Hills Forest Reserve as a national park by the Osun State Government to the Federal Government.
The ceremony was held in Osogbo.
Speaking, Lawal emphasised the need for effective collaboration between the Federal Government and Osun State to ensure the safety of forest reserves within the state.
“It is with immense pleasure and a great sense of responsibility that I formally accept the Oba Hills Forest Reserve as a National Park under the Federal Government,” he said.
“This occasion marks a significant step towards preserving our natural heritage for generations to come.”
He commended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and the people of Osun State for their decision to hand over this invaluable asset, noting that the governor’s action demonstrates a shared commitment to conservation that transcends political boundaries.
“It is interesting to note that His Excellency is handing over this reserve exactly three months after his colleague in Jigawa State, His Excellency Umar Namadi, handed over the Hadejia Wetland National Park on 10th September 2024.
This underscores Governor Adeleke’s vision and ingenuity as a leader,” Lawal added.
He highlighted the ecological and economic benefits of the park, noting that it would serve as a sanctuary for wildlife, safeguard biodiversity, and become an ecotourism hotspot.
“The Oba Hills National Park has the potential to attract visitors from across the globe, contributing to the local economy and the country’s GDP.
It also presents an excellent opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s natural beauty and cultural diversity while generating sustainable jobs and boosting community development,” he stated.
Lawal noted that the process to upgrade the reserve began in 2012 when the Osun State Government expressed interest in transitioning the forest reserve into a national park.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his address, described the Oba Hills National Park as spanning 4,225 hectares across Iwo, Ejigbo, and Ola-Oluwa Local Government Areas.
He said the reserve is home to five unique hills and various plant and animal species, some of which are endangered due to logging, hunting, and other human activities.
The governor revealed that in 2013, the Osun State Government engaged the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) to conduct a comprehensive survey of the reserve, which highlighted significant degradation and the urgent need for intervention.
He expressed satisfaction that the National Park Service approved the reserve’s upgrade to national park status in 2021, culminating in the current handover.
“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.
This event aligns with our climate change agenda, recognising the critical role of ecosystems in reducing global warming and fostering sustainable development,” Adeleke stated.
The governor urged the National Park Service to prioritise recruiting qualified indigenes of Osun State for the park’s operations, emphasising the state’s commitment to local content policies.
“This approach strengthens local communities and fosters a sense of ownership among our people,” he concluded.
