Potential for Job Creation Highlighted
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, officially handed over the Hadejia Wetland Game Reserve to the Federal Government, marking its transition into a National Park. This handover, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Green Initiative, took place on Tuesday at the Council Chamber of the State Government House in Dutse.
The ceremony, which saw the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, representing Environment Minister Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, signifies a significant stride in the protection and preservation of Nigeria’s vital ecosystems. The Hadejia Wetlands, renowned for its rich biodiversity, will now benefit from enhanced conservation efforts as part of the National Park network.
“This handover symbolizes a commitment to sustainable development, safeguarding wildlife, and enhancing eco-tourism opportunities for the people of Jigawa and beyond,” Minister Abbas Lawal stated.
Governor Namadi’s decision to elevate the Hadejia Wetlands underscores a shared commitment to environmental conservation. The Park, home to diverse wildlife, including birds, amphibians, and fish, is expected to become an eco-tourism hotspot, offering both environmental and economic benefits.
Minister Lawal emphasized the importance of the Park in promoting job creation, revenue generation, and community development. The upgrade of the Hadejia Wetlands began in 2011, with former President Muhammadu Buhari approving the transition of ten Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks in 2020, bringing Nigeria’s total to seventeen.
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Environment, is addressing management challenges by engaging the Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) project for infrastructure development and collaborating with security agencies to bolster the safety and effectiveness of Park Rangers.
Governor Namadi was praised for ensuring the continuation of his predecessor’s efforts to protect the Hadejia Wetlands. The Minister also assured local communities of their involvement in the Park’s conservation, promoting a sense of ownership and equitable benefits.
The Federal Government aims to forge strong partnerships between state authorities and local populations to guarantee the success of the National Park project, ensuring that this invaluable natural asset is protected for future generations.
