The Federal Government says the National Park will become an ecotourism hotspot, attracting visitors from far and wide, contributing to local economy and the country’s gross Domestic Product, GDP.

The Minister for Environment, BALARABE ABBAS LAWAL stated this at the official handover of the Oba Hill Forest Reserve as a National Park by the Osun State Government to the Federal Government at the Governor’s Office, Abere, Osun State.

The Minister, represented by Conservator-General of National Park Reserves, Dr. Ibrahim Musa, said the National Park would presents an opportunity to showcase the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Nigerian landscape while generating economic opportunities for local communities, sustainable job creation, increased revenue, and community development.

He noted that Oba Hill Forest Reserve holds a delicate balance that sustains life and provides crucial ecosystem services as well as serves as a sanctuary for numerous wildlife species, including birds, amphibians, and fishes, and safeguards biodiversity.

The Minister commended Governor Adeleke, the government and the people of Osun state for the decision to hand over Oba Hill Forest, an Invaluable asset to the Federal Government stressing that it 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.

He added that the service would absorbs indigene of the state who indicated interest in working with the Federal Government and tax (Paye) will be remitted to the State.

In his address, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke identified the critical role of ecosystem in reducing global warming and ensuring sustainable development.

“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. This forest reserve hosts varieties of ecological value. The site is also home to five unique hills which provide habitats for diverse plants and animals”.

He urged the National Park Service to prioritise the recruitment of qualified indigenes of Osun State as officers and men to operate the park emphasizing that local content policy in Osun state strengthens benefits for local communities and facilitates local ownership.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Mayowa Adejoorin said the National Park would serve as an employment opportunities as well as create opportunity for Rural access roads and provision of basic amenities, such as electricity in the area.

The Oluwo of Iwo land oba
Abdul rasheed Adewale Akanbi who present at the event appreciate the Governor and the stakeholders that facilitated the Park, prayed God for the progress and the development of the state and Nigeria at large.

Funmi Adebomi