By George George Idowu
The Minister of Environment, Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, has commended the leadership of National Park Service for effectively protecting the nation’s biodiversity assets.
The Minister spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a ceremony organized by the National Park Services (NPS) to commemorate the 2024 world ranger day under the universal theme: “30 by 30”.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Mahmud Adam Kambari, Malam Lawal extolled the Conservator General, Dr. Ibrahim M. Goni for his assiduous dedication to ensuring the protection of the nation’s forests and biodiversity.
He said the federal government was not unmindful of the operational challenges under which the rangers were working, noting that issues of ranger’s welfare and operational equipment will continue to receive prompt attention.
Malam Lawal who disclosed that there are 1124 forests and reserves, 17 national parks, and 2018 rangers in Nigeria, implored state governments to also support the NPS to enable the Ranger sustain their selfless service to the environment.
He applauded the leadership of the NPS and the resilience of rangers, whom he said are also supporting other security services to stem banditry and cattle rustling.
The Minister called on state governments to increase the number of guards in the various national parks across the country.
”We must invest in robust policy that empowers rangers. I assure the NPS of full support of the Ministry. We all must stand with the rangers. They embodied hope. I stand with the world rangers on this occasion of the 2024 World Ranger’s Day,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the CG Dr. Goni expressed appreciation of the NPS to the Minister of Environment for giving listening ears to issues that border on conservation and biodiversity protection.
He said the Service is also aware of the limited resources at the government’s disposal, hence the partnership with development partners at home and abroad.
As a manifestation of goodwill, the CG handed financial support to families of rangers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. He also gave excellence awards to rangers who distinguished themselves at their duty posts.
An address by the President of International Rangers Federation (IRF) was delivered by the Assistant Conservator General (ERM), Dr. M. A. Kabir.
In his remarks, the Director General, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Dr. Zechariah B. Yaduma said the rangers, “are the parents and guardians of the forest, and that their service is fundamental to Nigeria’s environmental sustainability.
The Director General of the National Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja, who was represented by Mr. Emmanuel Boyi said: “Our business at NCF is conserving biodiversity, and the Rangers are central to achieving the mandate.
The event was graced by many dignitaries, including the Director General/CEO, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) Dr. Agnes Yemisi Asagbra; Niger State Commissioner of Environment, Alh. Yakubu Mohammed Kolo; and the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, represented by Mr. Temitayo Omole.
Also represented were Bosses of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigerian Fire Service, as well as students of Garki Secondary School, Abuja who rendered enchanting poems on nature conservation.
The World Ranger Day, celebrated annually on July 31, is aimed at honouring the dedication and bravery of park rangers worldwide who protect the natural heritage.
This year, the theme “30 by 30” underscores a critical conservation goal to effectively conserve and manage at least 30% of the planet’s land and marine areas by 2030.
