Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, inaugurated a steering committee on Tuesday for the transfer of the Kampe Games Reserve to the Federal Government, marking its designation as a National Park.
The Governor also officially handed over the reserve, located in Patigi Local Government Area, to the Federal Government as a national park. This handover follows a presidential declaration in November 2020 and the subsequent passage of relevant legislation by the National Assembly.
Governor Abdulrazaq called the handover a significant step in improving the environment and advancing the sustainability of the state’s natural resources.
“Today marks a crucial moment in our collective efforts. The inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfillment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for the transformation of the Kampe Games Reserve into a National Park,” the Governor said at the inauguration ceremony in Ilorin.
The newly formed committee, which includes cabinet members, traditional leaders, and senior citizens, will guide the process of transitioning the reserve into a national park, ensuring its successful transformation with their invaluable experience.
“Our commitment to this initiative stems from our desire to offer Kwara State greater opportunities for growth,” the Governor said through Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi. “We aim to position our state on the global map for biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability, and the effective management of our human and natural resources.
“The Kampe Games Reserve, named after the Kampe River, is one of Kwara State’s natural treasures. It is a gift of nature, and our responsibility is to preserve and enhance it for the benefit of future generations.”
Abdulrazaq congratulated the committee members, urging them to actively participate in the process to conserve the park and contribute to a sustainable future for all Nigerians.
Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister of Environment, represented by the Conservator General of the National Park Service, Ibrahim Goni, acknowledged the significance of the handover, noting that former President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the upgrade of ten Forest and Game Reserves, including the Kampe Forest Reserve, to National Parks, bringing the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to 17.
He explained that the establishment of the park aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to meet global biodiversity conservation targets outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to enhance internal security.
He praised the Governor’s swift response to the Federal Government’s call, saying, “Your commitment to protecting our planet is truly commendable, and your role in the sustainable development of our nation is invaluable.”
Chairperson of the Committee and Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Nafisat Musa Buge, emphasized that the development presents opportunities for environmental restoration, biodiversity regeneration, and an additional tourist destination in the state.
“As a state, we acknowledge that this new status of Kampe will be of immense benefit to us, the neighbouring and adjoining communities to Kampe, and indeed neighbouring states,” she said.
The Emir of Patigi, Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, thanked the Governor for his bold step in handing over the Kampe reserve to the National Park and pledged the Emirate’s support for the Federal Government in realizing the project.
