The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke has officially handed over management of Oba Hills Forest Reserve to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal for its transformation into a National Park, under the stewardship of the National Park Service.
Oba Hills Forest Reserve which will now be known as Oba Hills National Park, spans about 4,225 hectares across Iwo, Ejigbo, and Ola-Oluwa Local Government Areas.
Speaking during the handing over event held at the State Secretariat, Abere, on Tuesday, Adeleke said the exposure to danger of some species of diverse plants and animals due to activities such as logging, hunting, and other human factors made the state government to reconsider inviting the Federal Government to take over the forest reserve.
He also revealed that the predicament formed part of the reason why the state government engaged the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, in April 2013 to conduct a comprehensive survey of the reserve, in which findings revealed a high degree of degradation and called for urgent intervention.
“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.
“We regret to note that some of these species are endangered due to activities such as logging, hunting, and other human factors. It was for this reason that the Osun State Government engaged the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in April 2013 to conduct a comprehensive survey of the reserve. The findings revealed a high degree of degradation, which calls for urgent intervention.
“In response, Osun State reached out to the National Park Service to propose the reserve’s upgrade to National Park status. In 2021, this request was granted. Today, we witnessed the realization of that effort.
“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. Today’s event aligns with our broader climate change agenda, as we recognize the critical role of ecosystem in reducing global warming and ensuring sustainable development”, he said.
The Governor urged the National Park Service to prioritise the recruitment of qualified indigenes of Osun State as officers and men to operate the park, adding that the policy will strengthens benefits for local communities and facilitates local ownership.
Adeleke expressed gratitude to the Conservator-General, the entire National Park Service and all individuals who have contributed immensely to the success of the initiative for their total commitment to facilitate the handing over process.
In his remarks, the Minster for Environment who was represented by the Conservator General of the National Park Service, Dr Ibrahim Goni said the journey towards upgrading the reserve to a National Park began in 2012 when the State government expressed interest in the transition, adding that in November 2020, former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari approved the upgrade of ten Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, including Oba Hill.
He stated that the upgrade of Oba Hills National Park will make it an ecotourism hotspot, attracting visitors from all over the world and boost the National and State economy.
He reaffirmed that the service will recruit qualified indigenes of the state who indicate interest in working with the agency and vowed that tax will be remitted to the state government.
