Stories by Etta Michael Bisong
Abuja
The Minister of Environment, Mrs.Laurentia Mallam, has stressed the need for stakeholders in the environment sector to collaborate with the view to preserve the eco-system both for present and future generations in Nigeria.
The minister, who stated this when she received the Chairman, Board of Directors of African Parks, Robert- Jan van Ogtrop, and members of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) recently, added that the potentials of Nigeria would be greatly enhanced through the cooperation of the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Nigeria Conservation Foundation and the African Parks.
“Nigeria is a great country with great potentials. No matter the present challenges the country was facing, Nigeria is indeed a wonderful and blessed country with great potentials,” she noted.
Mrs.Mallam had while welcoming the African Parks bosswhich currently manages seven National Parks spread across Africa, added that the enhancement of tourism potentials in Nigeria would ensure employment and revenue generation.
“Cooperation in the tourism sector through the National Parks would be great for Nigeria as this would no doubt create an avenue to employ Nigerians and ensure greater revenue amongst others. We also need to ensure the preservation of the eco- system in order to preserve and conserve Nigeria’s natural and cultural heritage not only for us that are alive but for generations yet unborn,” she said.
She also emphasised that the “ Federal Ministry of Environment will ensure that the eight National Parks in Nigeria namely the National Park Service, Abuja, Kianji Lake National Park, Niger State, Chad Basin National Park, Borno State, Cross River National Park, Cross River, GashakaGumti National Park, Adamawa State, Kamuku National Park, Kaduna State, Old Oyo National Park, Oyo State and Okumu National Park, Edo State compares favourably with National Parks of other countries.
“Our aim is to develop a National Park System for this country that will meet the aspirations of Nigerians and foreigners alike. A park system that will foster national unity and development and play positive role in protecting the environment and resources that are indigenous to Nigeria. Available Parks System will also play significant roles in research, science and the development of education,” she stated
Speaking earlier, the Chairman Board of Directors of Africa Parks, Robert – Jan van Ogtrop, said that apart from creating job opportunities for indigenes of respective countries where National Parks are being operated in Africa, the preservation of the eco – system and the creation of more employment opportunities for respective indigenes where the parks are sighted is paramount.