The conservator-general (CG) of the National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, has said the absence of a national park in the South East zone is worrisome considering the critical roles such parks play.
Goni stated this during a courtesy visit to Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, at Government House, Umuahia, the capital, noting that the zone is the only one in the country without a national park.
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He said national parks, being an advancement in managing forest and game reserves, also aid in protecting the environment and provide employment and business opportunities.
The CG, who explained the process of establishing a national park, assured of the preparedness of the service to partner the administration to create a national park in the state.
He said he was in the state to attend the 2024 National Conference of College of National Research and Environmental Management at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike.
Otti, while welcoming Goni and his entourage, assured him of the desire of the administration to partner the service to establish a national park in the state as soon as possible.
Represented by his deputy, Ikechukwu Emetu, the governor commended the CG for pointing out the absence and underscoring the need for a national park in the zone.
“You have displayed a very high sense of patriotism. You’re very thoughtful and want to use your office to better the state, the zone, and the country in general,” he added.
The chairman of the local organising committee of the conference, Emmanuel Ezegbula, expressed the hope that the visit will lead to the establishment of a national park in the state.