The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal assured the government and good people of Nasarawa State that Marhai Forest Reserve becomes National Park as Federal government in colourful ceremony took over the management of the park.
Balarabe stated this during the taking-over ceremony of the forest reserve at the Government House, Lafia, Nasarawa State recently.
The Minister noted that the taking-over is a milestone in the efforts of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration towards sustainable development and revenue generation away from crude oil alone but to include Biodiversity Conservation and Climate Resilience.
He further noted that the taking-over demonstrates a practical cooperative federalism where sub-nationals and Federal government comes together to secure a sustainable future for the next generation.
He disclosed that the journey of upgrading the Forest Reserve began in 2011 and now a reality despite some challenges associated with effective management of the reserve which the Ministry is giving a special attention to along with relevant stakeholders locally and internationally.
The Minister used the forum to thank the Executive Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule and the good people of Nasarawa State for handing over the invaluable asset to the Federal Government, as it shows a sign of commitment for national conservation that transcends political boundaries as well as underscoring an unwavering dedication to safeguard the environment.
He also urged the host community to support the National Park Service and the Ministry to role out the necessary machineries to transform the Marhai Forest Reserve to a National Park that will be at global standard.
The Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Engr Abdullahi Sule reiterated that the handing over of the Reserve is an effort to preserve the State’s natural heritage and promote sustainable environmental stewardship for the benefit of the current and future generations.
Gov. Sule revealed that the Reserve is a Jewel in the rich tapestry of the State’s biodiversity and unique ecosystem, diverse wide life and scenic landscape as well as a source of pride for the people of the State and Nigerians in general.
He also called on the Management of the National Park Service to enhance the reserve’s potentials and ecological integrity while promoting eco-tourism and community development.
Engr. Sule urged the NPS to prioritize community engagement and ensure that beneficiaries of the partnership are inclusive and far reaching to allow the Marhai Forest Reserve become a global model of conservation excellence and a hope for environmental stability in Nigeria.
The Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Muhammad Ubandoma Aliyu and Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resource, Hon. Yakubu Kwanta in their addresse pledged their full support for the conservation and management of the rich Reserve’s biodiversity to ensure utilization of its natural resources, promote eco-tourism and create avenue for research and education as it applies to the taking-over of similar parks in Osun, Jigawa and Bayelsa States.
