By Abdullahi Lukman
The Ondo State Government is set to collaborate with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), to restore and develop the OSSE River Park to international eco-tourism standards.
This was revealed by Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, during a meeting with FUTA’s Departments of Forestry and Wood Technology and Ecotourism and Wildlife Management.
Odusanya emphasized the need for partnerships with both national and international bodies, highlighting the state’s openness to technical and logistical support for the park’s restoration and conservation efforts.
He noted that OSSE River Park, the state’s sole conservation park, has suffered from human encroachment and requires urgent attention.
Supporting the initiative, Mr. Olushola Ibosiola, Director of Wildlife Conservation, Parks, and Ecotourism, said the 285.79 km² park plays a crucial role in conservation and offers significant eco-tourism potential.
He cited benefits such as revenue generation, economic incentives, research, and public awareness, while also acknowledging the challenges of balancing development with sustainable conservation practices.
Professors Oluseyi Fabiyi and Adekunle Ogunjinmi from FUTA affirmed their departments’ commitment to working with the government.
They added that international organisations have shown interest in supporting the project and announced plans to visit the park to assess its current state and determine the level of intervention needed.
