By Faridat Salifu
Governor Douye Diri has raised alarm over environmental degradation in Bayelsa State.
The governor raised his voice against continued environmental degradation in the state when the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, lbrahom Goni, was at the State House in Yenegoa to inform him about the upgraded of Apoi and Edumanom Forests in Bayelsa State to the status of national parks.
Governor Douye Diri expressed gratitude for the upgrade, affirming his administration’s commitment to support the Federal Government in realizing the objectives of the newly designated parks.
He, however, raised his voice against the level of environmental degradation in the state which he attributed to the activities of oil and gas companies.
The governor praised the Federal Government for its decision to elevate the Apoi and Edumanom Forests in Bayelsa State to the status of national parks and reiterated his administration’s focus on environmental protection.
“This upgrade reflects the Federal Government’s dedication to protecting the nation’s forests and the environment as a whole,” Diri stated.
He pledged that the state government would collaborate closely with the National Parks Service to further develop the parks.
On the revamping the degraded environment in Bayelsa, Governor Diri said, “We are pleased that after a long journey, our state now has two forests recognized as national parks. My administration prioritizes environmental safety and is firmly committed to its protection.”
Earlier in his address, the Conservator-General of the National Park Service, lbrahom Goni, noted that the approval for the upgrade came after a lengthy wait of 13 years, with the process beginning in 2011.
Goni emphasized that the Federal Government is deeply invested in the effective management of the new parks, which are expected to create around 100 job opportunities for local residents.
The Apoi Forest is located in Southern Ijaw, while the Edumanom Forest spans the Ogbia and Nembe Local Government Areas of the state.