The Ondo State Government says it will partner with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), on the restoration and development of OSSE River Park to international standards for eco-tourists attraction.
Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, stated this during a meeting with the Department of Forestry and Wood Technology and Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management of the institution.
Odusanya, who said that there was need to partner national and international organisations, explained that the state government welcomed technical and logistic support to enhance the park’s restoration and conservation.
“The OSSE River Park is the state’s only conservation park which provides a habitat for wild animals, but it requires attention due to human activities,” he said.
Also, Mr. Olushola Ibosiola, Director of Wildlife Conservation, Parks, and Ecotourism in the ministry, emphasised the importance of wildlife conservation and ecotourism, saying that the park covered 285.79 km²
According to him, the benefits of ecotourism include revenue generation, economic incentives, awareness, and research support.
Ibosiola, however, acknowledged the challenges of ensuring sustainable practices and balancing economic benefits with conservation goals.
Prof. Oluseyi Fabiyi and Prof. Adekunle Ogunjinmi, from the two departments in FUTA, expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government to harness the park’s potential.
The duo said the international bodies were willing to provide support for wildlife conservation and ecotourism development.
They promised to schedule a visit to assess the park’s condition and determine the level of intervention required.
By Muftau Ogunyemi