Adeleke hands over Oba Hills forest park to FG, calls for recruitment of indigenes

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has urged the National Park Service (NPS) to prioritize the recruitment of qualified indigenes of the State as officers and men to operate at the Oba Hills National Park.

Oba Hills Forest Reserve, now to be known as Oba Hills National Park, spans about 4,225 hectares across Iwo, Ejigbo, and Ola-Oluwa Local Government Areas of the State. This forest reserve hosts varieties of ecological value and home to five unique hills which provide habitats for diverse plants and animals.

Speaking at the official handing over of the park to the Federal Government to be managed as a National Park, Adeleke noted that local content, is a state policy in the State.

While seeking for the enforcement of the policy in the operations of the park, the Governor stated that the policy strengthens benefits for local communities and facilitates local ownership.

The Governor explained that the decision to hand over the reserve was borne out of his commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Earlier, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal said the park will undoubtedly become an ecotourism hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide, not only contributing to local economy but the country’s GDP.

Represented by the Conservator General, NPS, Ibrahim Goni, said the service has procured: toyota hilux 4WD, motorcycles, bicycles, arms & ammunition, office furniture & equipment: consisting of desktop computer, laptop computer, printers, scanner, photocopier, office chairs, office table, and refrigerator, complete set of uniform and accoutrements, patrol equipment, camping equipment for the park.

He said the service will absorb indigenes of this State who indicate interest in working with the Federal Government and tax (Paye) will be remitted to the State.

The Minister also assured the local communities residing near the park that their interests will be taken into consideration, saying “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.”