Gov Otti Backs Proposed First National Park In South-East To Be Sited In Abia

‎Governor Alex Otti has pledged his administration’s support for the proposed establishment of the first National Park in the South-East, to be sited in Abia State.
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‎Governor Otti made the pledge when he received a delegation from the National Park Service, NPS, led by the Chairman of its Governing Board, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, alongside the Conservator-General, Dr. Ibrahim Goni.
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‎In a statement, the Governor said the initiative aligns with his administration’s ongoing efforts to trace and conserve Abia’s 19 forest reserves, 18 of which are available for consideration.
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‎He added that his vision is to ensure that each of the 17 Local Government Areas in the state has at least one conservation area.
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‎“I have directed the Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, to work closely with the National Park Service and environmental experts to identify a suitable location for the proposed park. A dedicated team will be constituted to drive the process, ensuring its successful establishment,” he said.
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‎The Governor noted that nature remains critical to human existence and stressed that conservation must be prioritised.
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‎“Nature is something we cannot do away with. Sometimes, when we think we have overcome nature through technology, nature will still rise. That is why conservation is very important,” he said.
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‎Governor Otti said beyond protecting natural heritage, the National Park will create opportunities for employment, investment, revenue generation, tourism, and enhanced security. He added that it will also address the long-standing absence of a National Park in the South-East.
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‎He thanked the National Park Service for the initiative and congratulated ACG Ugochukwu Michael on his elevation to the rank of Assistant Conservator-General.
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‎The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to initiatives that promote environmental sustainability, protect natural heritage, and create lasting opportunities for the people of Abia and the South-East in general.
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