Okomu National Park in Edo State undergoes remarkable transformation, as collaborative conservation efforts reduce illegal activities and boost local empowerment

Okomu National Park, located in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State, is a biodiversity treasure that had long been overlooked.

Despite its rich ecological value and immense potential for tourism, the park had faced grave threats such as illegal logging, poaching, and encroachment.

These activities endangered the park’s unique ecosystem, home to rare species like the endangered African forest elephant and the white-throated monkey, one of the world’s most endangered primates.

The situation has drastically changed, thanks to a strategic collaboration between the Okomu National Park Service (NPS) and the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation.

Beginning in 2022, this partnership has worked tirelessly to restore the park’s integrity, protect its biodiversity, and empower local communities while developing eco-tourism opportunities.

The Okomu National Park, designated as a protected area in 1999, spans 200 square kilometres. Unfortunately, illegal logging and poaching had ravaged its natural resources, significantly threatening the park’s diverse species.

A 2020 report by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) revealed how timber merchants exploited the park’s valuable hardwood while poachers targeted wildlife for bushmeat.

These illegal activities contributed to widespread deforestation and pushed many species to the brink of extinction.

Lawrence Osaze, the Conservator of the Park, shared his concern: “When I resumed duty in November 2022, illegal logging was a major challenge, and we had to find a sustainable solution.”

Recognising the urgency, the National Park Service sought help from experienced conservation organisations like the ANI Foundation, known for their successful eco-tourism and conservation initiatives in Gashaka Gumti National Park.

The ANI Foundation wasted no time in implementing essential measures to safeguard the park. Among the first actions was reinforcing security by hiring and training 38 additional rangers. Equipped with modern surveillance tools, these rangers have significantly reduced illegal logging and wildlife hunting.

“The partnership has transformed the situation. The park is relatively peaceful, and logging activities have decreased drastically,” Osaze noted. Before ANI’s intervention, rangers were often outnumbered and under-resourced, but the new strategies have turned the tide.

Importantly, ANI’s efforts go beyond security. The foundation recognised that the park’s challenges were closely tied to the local community’s economic dependence on the forest.

To address this, ANI introduced community-driven livelihood initiatives, including savings and loan programmes, particularly for women and youth. These initiatives help local people establish small businesses, expand farms, and diversify income sources, reducing their reliance on forest resources.

The impact of ANI’s work is evident in the local communities surrounding Okomu National Park. Chief Patrick Igbinidu, the Iyase (traditional ruler) of Udo, praised the ANI Foundation for their role in improving both security and economic opportunities in the region.

“Many of our youths have been employed as rangers, and women have been supported with interest-free loans,” he said.

These empowerment programmes have shifted local perceptions of the park from a government-imposed restriction to a source of economic growth and stability.

Okomu’s biodiversity is unparalleled, with the park being home to the white-throated monkey and the African forest elephant, both flagship species of global conservation importance. According to Peter Abanyam, ANI Foundation’s Project Manager for Okomu, these species are crucial to the park’s appeal.

“Okomu is the primary home of the white-throated monkey. Apart from a small population in the south-western part of the country, this park is where you find them in the world,” he explained.

The collaboration between ANI and the National Park Service also aims to develop eco-tourism as a sustainable revenue source for the park. Plans are underway to upgrade park facilities, enhance visitor experiences, and market Okomu as a must-visit eco-tourism destination.

By attracting both domestic and international tourists, this initiative promises to bring significant economic benefits to the region while promoting the park’s conservation.

Abanyam emphasised that the long-term success of this partnership depends on continued vigilance against illegal activities and the expansion of alternative livelihood programmes for local communities. “We want to show that conservation can be sustainable and beneficial to local communities through private sector investment,” he stated.

The transformation of Okomu National Park demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in conservation. By combining enhanced security, community engagement, and eco-tourism development, this collaboration is setting a new standard for environmental protection in Nigeria. What was once a forest under threat is now a beacon of hope for conservationists, researchers, and nature lovers alike.

If the current efforts are sustained, stakeholders in the tourism industry believe that the Okomu model could be replicated across other national parks in Nigeria, ensuring the preservation of the country’s rich biodiversity for future generations.

As the project continues to evolve, one thing is clear: when done right, conservation not only protects the environment but also improves the livelihoods of the people who depend on it.

 Nigeria’s vast tourism potential remains untapped, yet it could drive economic growth, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings

Nigeria is abundantly blessed with natural, agricultural, and human resources. However, one of its most overlooked assets—tourism—holds immense potential for revitalising the economy.

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While many nations with fewer resources have successfully leveraged tourism as a major economic driver, Nigeria has yet to fully exploit its rich cultural and environmental attractions.

Globally, tourism contributes significantly to national economies.

In Kenya, it is the second-largest contributor to GDP after agriculture.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) thrives on tourism alongside oil and gas, while Rwanda has become a premier destination for conference tourism.

The Bahamas generates about 20% of its national income from tourism, and Seychelles sees around 22% of its GDP from this sector.

Nigeria boasts a wealth of natural wonders and historical landmarks that could attract global tourists. Some of its most spectacular sites include:

– **Mountainous landscapes** in Adamawa and Plateau States

– **Breathtaking waterfalls** at Owu-Kajola (Kwara), Erin-Ijesha (Osun), and Agbokim (Cross River)

– **Wildlife sanctuaries** such as Yankari Game Reserve (Bauchi)

– **The unique Ikogosi Warm and Cold Springs** (Ekiti)

– **Iconic rock formations** like Zuma Rock (FCT) and Olumo Rock (Ogun)

– **Cultural and historical attractions**, including Esie-Iludun Museum (Kwara)

– **Serene eco-tourism destinations** such as Obudu Ranch and Tinapa Resort (Cross River)

These locations, with proper investment and management, could place Nigeria on the global tourism map.

Nigeria’s failure to develop a thriving tourism sector stems from several challenges, including:

– **Lack of strategic investment** in infrastructure, marketing, and policy formulation

– **Poor continuity in governance**, as seen in the operational struggles of Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort

– **Inadequate legal and regulatory frameworks** to support tourism and free trade zones

– **Limited private sector participation** in hospitality and tourism development

For tourism to become a major economic driver, Nigeria must take deliberate steps, including:

1. **Comprehensive Documentation & Pre-Investment Analysis**
– Identifying and profiling all tourist sites with economic potential
– Assessing financial viability and long-term sustainability

2. **Infrastructure Development**
– Investing in roads, transportation, and hospitality facilities
– Ensuring reliable power and water supply in tourism zones

3. **Policy Reforms & Public-Private Partnerships**
– Creating investor-friendly policies
– Encouraging collaboration with estate developers, hospitality stakeholders, and financial institutions

4. **Sustainable Tourism Practices**
– Promoting eco-tourism and conservation efforts
– Ensuring environmental sustainability in tourism development

Nigeria’s overdependence on crude oil is no longer sustainable, especially with the global shift towards renewable energy and digital economies.

If Rwanda, a country once plagued by genocide, can transform into a global tourism hub, and Mauritius can diversify from sugarcane farming to luxury tourism, Nigeria has no excuse for failing to harness its vast tourism potential.

With the right policies, investment, and political will, Nigeria can turn its scenic landscapes and cultural heritage into a billion-dollar industry, creating jobs, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and positioning the country as a premier travel destination.

The Abuja Creative City (ACC) will provide world-class infrastructure and sustainable development, positioning Nigeria as a global creative leader

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy (FMACTCE), Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa, has announced that the ambitious Abuja Creative City (ACC) project will offer world-class infrastructure, drawing inspiration from global creative hubs like NEOM, Dubai Media City, and Techhub London.

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This landmark initiative is poised to place Nigeria at the forefront of global creativity and innovation.

At a recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a creative hub in Abuja, Barr. Musawa outlined the vision for ACC, highlighting its potential to become a benchmark for sustainable development.

The project will incorporate the latest renewable technologies and place significant emphasis on minimizing environmental impact. The goal is to create a vibrant space that celebrates Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage through arts, music, film, and various other creative expressions.

Barr. Musawa explained that the Abuja Creative City is an integral part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at driving economic growth and fostering cultural innovation.

“The ACC will serve as Africa’s cultural flagship centre, showcasing Nigeria’s historical legacy and creative potential on the global stage,” she said.

The development of ACC is expected to bring numerous benefits to investors, including tax incentives. In addition, the project will introduce reduced rates for essential utilities such as water and electricity in the initial phase, making it a highly attractive proposition for businesses looking to establish operations in the city.

The creative hub will streamline business registration, licensing, and operational processes, making it easier for local and global enterprises to set up and thrive within the city.

By simplifying these processes, the ACC aims to position itself as a top destination for creative industries, from entertainment to technology and beyond.

Bayo Omoboriowo, the Director of the creative hub, also shared his excitement for the project, describing it as a transformative milestone for Nigeria. He reflected on the nation’s readiness to embrace a new era, where the future is no longer something to wait for but something to create.

“In a world where the future is now, Nigeria stands on the precipice of a transformative era,” Omoboriowo stated. “The days of being told we were merely the ‘giants’ of tomorrow are behind us.

Today, the nation has decided to stop waiting for the future to arrive; it is creating its own future, one moment at a time.”

The Abuja Creative City is set to revolutionise Nigeria’s creative economy, offering a platform for artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators to collaborate and thrive. The project marks a significant step in the country’s quest to become a global leader in creativity, culture, and innovation.