Otti supports first national park in South-east, located in Abia

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has approved the creation of the first National Park in the South-east. This park will be located in Abia State.

The Governor made this announcement on Tuesday, 11 August, while meeting with a team from the National Park Service. The team was led by the Chairman of its Governing Council.

Governor Otti promised the delegation that the State Government would fully support this project. He called it a timely initiative. Earlier that day, he had approved a request from the Commissioner for Environment to trace and identify forest reserves in the State.

According to the Governor, Abia has 19 forest reserves, with 18 available for consideration. He mentioned this is a chance to create at least one conservation area in each of the 17 Local Government Areas in the State.

“Coincidences just keep happening. Earlier this morning, I approved a request from the Honourable Commissioner for Environment for the tracing of forest reserves. Clearly, there is somewhere to start from,” Governor Otti said.

To move this forward, the Governor directed the Commissioner for Environment to collaborate with the National Park Service and experts. They will find a good location for the proposed park. He emphasized the need for environmental conservation and preserving the State’s natural resources.

The Governor also announced that the State Government would form a team led by the Commissioner for Environment. This team will include climate change and environmental experts to ensure the park is set up successfully.

“Nature is something you cannot do away with. Sometimes, when you think you have overcome nature through technology, nature will still rise. That is why conservation is very important,” stated Governor Otti.

He thanked the National Park Service for this initiative and congratulated ACG. Ugochukwu Michael on his promotion to Assistant Conservator-General. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to projects that support environmental sustainability and protect the State’s natural heritage.

Earlier, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Park Service, praised Governor Otti’s achievements in the last three years.

He said the visit aimed to remind the Governor of his earlier promise to set up a National Park in Abia State. He pointed out that the South-east has no National Park, which puts the region at a disadvantage.

“The South-east has zero in having a national park. This is a glaring omission that must be corrected, and Abia State, under your leadership, is best positioned to pioneer this change,” Dr Ononogbu stated.

He added that creating a park in Abia would provide more inclusion and job opportunities for the people of the region.

Beyond ecological value, Dr Ononogbu mentioned that the National Park would bring significant socio-economic benefits to Abia State. These include job creation, revenue generation, attracting investments, enhancing security, and reducing crime.

He asked the Abia State Government to find a suitable forest or game reserve for upgrade to a National Park. He also suggested forming a committee to work with the Service and send a formal proposal for the park’s establishment to the Honourable Minister of Environment or the Conservator General of the National Park Service.

The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, and other members of the State Executive Council joined the meeting.