By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade has lauded the National Park Service (NPS) for their environmental conservation.
Speaking during the visit of the Governing Council and Management of the Service to his Palace on Tuesday, Oba Owoade said in a rapidly changing world where the consequences of human actions are becoming increasingly apparent, the need for environmental conservation requires utmost attention.
Oba Owoade said, “As the custodians of our planet and from what I have read about the National Park Service, they are alive to their responsibility in protect and preserving the delicate ecosystems in the country, and which sustain all life on earth.
“The world faces a multitude of challenges that threaten the integrity of our environment. Climate change, deforestation, pollution, habitat loss, and overexploitation of natural resources are just a few of the pressing issues which the Federal Government and the National Park Service are holistically addressing.
“These challenges are often interconnected, and their impacts are felt across the globe, affecting human health, wildlife populations, and the overall balance of ecosystems.
“Safeguarding endangered species and their habitats through the establishment of protected areas, conservation programmes, and wildlife management initiatives being handled by the National Park Service is essential for maintaining ecological balance.”
While thanking the Governing Council members and the management team led by the Conservator – General of the Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, for their visit, the Alaafin pledged his support and cooperation whenever the need arises.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the NPS Governing Board, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, said the Old Oyo National Park, nestled within the historic region , is not just a sanctuary for wildlife, but a living testament to the rich heritage of the Oyo Empire.
He said, “It uniquely blend s natural conservation with cultural legacy , preserving not only endangered and indigenous species, but also the ruins and relics of the once- mighty Oyo Kingdom, justifying the motto ‘blending our glorious past with nature’s.
“In doing this, it exemplifies the potential of Nigeria’s National Parks to be more than just environmental reserves. They are also cultural landscapes, spaces where history, identity and nature converge. We belief Old Oyo National Park can serve as a model for community- based conservation and heritage tourism, with the Alaafin’s Palace as a key partner in this vision.”
The Governing Board Chairman further pointed out that the National Park Service chose to hold its inaugural board meeting in Oyo, not by accident, but by deliberate design, as this provides the Service with a rare opportunity to felicitate with His Imperial Majesty on his ascension to the revered throne of his forefathers.
While appreciating the warm reception accorded them, Dr. Ononogbu sought for royal blessing and continued support in the National Park Service efforts to raise the profile of Old Oyo National Park and indeed all National Parks in the country, as treasures of national pride and vehicles fir sustainable development.
