Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, the governor of Kwara State, established a steering group on Tuesday to move the Kampe Games Reserve to the federal government as a National Park.
Abdulrazaq also formally turned over the reserve to the Federal Government as a national park, according to a Government House statement issued on Tuesday by Chief Press Secretary to State Deputy Governor Modupe Joel.
“The state reserve is situated at Patigi Local government area. It was handed over once the National Assembly passed it after the presidential proclamation in November 2020.”
“The governor described it as a major step toward enhancing the environment and promoting the sustainability of natural resources.”
“Today is a pivotal day in our joint endeavors. At the inauguration ceremony in Ilorin, the governor declared, “The inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfillment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for the transformation of the Kampe Games Reserve into a National Park.”
To guarantee a smooth transition, the committee—which is made up of cabinet members, traditional leaders, and other elderly citizens—is entrusted with directing the procedure and contributing their priceless experience.
“We are dedicated to this endeavor because we want to provide Kwara State with more growth prospects.
Our goal is to establish our state as a leader in biodiversity preservation, environmental sustainability, and efficient use of both natural and human resources.
One of Kwara State’s natural gems is the Kampe Games Reserve, which gets its name from the Kampe River. It is nature’s gift, and it is our duty to protect and improve it for the sake of coming generations,” the statement added.
In addition to congratulating the committee members, Abdulrazaq gave them the assignment to actively engage in the park’s conservation and help ensure that all Nigerians have a sustainable future.
The Conservator General of the National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, on behalf of Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, stated that former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari had authorized the conversion of ten forest and game reserves, including Kampe Forest Reserve, into national parks, bringing the country’s total number of national parks to 17.
According to Lawal, the establishment supports the nation’s initiatives to improve internal security and reach the global biodiversity conservation targets set forth in the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN.
“Your commitment to protecting our planet is truly commendable, and your role in the sustainable development of our nation is invaluable,” he said, praising the governor’s prompt reaction to the Federal Government’s appeal.
According to Nafisat Buge, the Committee Chairperson and Environment Commissioner, the development presents chances for biodiversity regeneration, environmental restoration, and the creation of a new tourist destination in the state.
“We as a state recognize that this new status of KAMPE will be extremely beneficial to us, Kampe’s neighboring communities, and in fact, neighboring states,” she stated.
Ibrahim Umar (Bologi II), the Emir of Patigi, expressed gratitude to the governor for his audacious decision to turn over the KAMPE reserve to the National Park. Umar promised the Federal Government the Emirate’s cooperation in bringing the project to fruition.