Traditional rulers from communities internet hosting the Oba Hills National Park have referred to as on the Federal Government to order 70 per cent of employment alternatives arising from the park’s operations for indigenes of the host communities.
The conventional rulers made the demand on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, throughout a courtesy go to to the Conservator General of the National Park Service on the Park Headquarters in Abuja.
The Secretary of the Oba Hills Traditional Council, Mr Shedrack Adebayo Adelakun, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, stated upgrading Oba Hills to National Park standing was a very good growth, describing it as a chance to guard the realm’s pure heritage whereas bettering the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
According to the normal rulers, National Park standing may improve wildlife safety, ecological restoration, analysis, environmental schooling and nature-based tourism, whereas creating alternatives for employment, expertise acquisition and community-based enterprises.
The monarchs, nevertheless, pressured that the advantages would require sustained funding and a robust partnership between the National Park Service and the communities whose ancestral ties are linked to the panorama.
On the planting of 11,000 indigenous seedlings, the monarchs famous that the event would assist recuperate misplaced vegetation, shield soil and water sources, enhance wildlife habitats, strengthen resilience to local weather change and supply a more healthy setting for future generations.
The rulers additionally urged the National Park Service to make sure ample upkeep and monitoring of planted seedlings, in addition to safety towards fireplace and grazing, to ensure the long-term survival of the restored areas.
Among their main requests, the normal rulers referred to as for “regular stakeholder engagements involving park management, traditional institutions, community representatives and other stakeholders to address concerns and prevent disputes.
“Greater participation of host communities in employment, training, restoration activities, environmental education and other legitimate opportunities linked to the park.”
The rulers referred to as for clear demarcation of the park’s inner and exterior boundaries the place vital, saying this could assist stop land-related disputes and supply readability for affected communities, particularly contemplating latest indications of mining pursuits around Akinleve Town.
The conventional rulers additionally urged the federal government to prioritise the bodily growth of host communities and supply budgetary consideration for conventional rulers throughout the communities, and appealed for clarification on the federal government’s place concerning the continued cultivation of land the place new seedlings have been planted.
They additionally sought a response on considerations surrounding the destruction of current vegetation by unique timber, referring to modalities earlier mentioned with a committee that had visited the communities.
“Our demands are made in the spirit of partnership rather than confrontation; the long-term success of Oba Hills National Park would depend on the confidence and cooperation of surrounding communities.
“Traditional institutions will promote peaceful relations, discourage illegal activities, mobilise community support and encourage residents, particularly youths, to see the park as an opportunity for environmental protection, tourism development and economic advancement, Adelakun said.
“We hope that Oba Hills National Park will become a model for ecological restoration and community-supported conservation in Nigeria, with nature protected alongside the legitimate interests and development needs of host communities.”
