Alaafin of Oyo commends National Park Service on environmental conservation

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade has praised the National Park Service for its commitment to environmental conservation and the protection of Nigeria’s ecosystems.

This was contained in a statement issued by Bode Durojaiye, Director of Media and Publicity to the Alaafin, following the visit of the Governing Council and Management of the National Park Service to the Alaafin’s Palace on Tuesday.

Oba Owoade emphasized that in today’s rapidly changing world, where the consequences of human activities are increasingly evident, environmental conservation must remain a top priority.

“As custodians of our planet, and from what I have read about the National Park Service, they are alive to their responsibility of protecting and preserving delicate ecosystems that sustain all life on Earth,” he said.

The monarch highlighted global challenges such as climate change, deforestation, pollution, habitat loss, and overexploitation of resources, stressing that the Federal Government and the National Park Service were addressing them holistically. He further commended efforts to safeguard endangered species through the creation of protected areas, conservation programmes, and wildlife management initiatives.

While thanking the Governing Council led by the Conservator-General, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, for their visit, the Alaafin pledged his support for the Service whenever needed.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the National Park Service Governing Board, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, described the Old Oyo National Park as both a sanctuary for wildlife and a living testament to the rich heritage of the Oyo Empire.

According to him, the park not only preserves endangered species but also protects ruins and relics of the historic Oyo Kingdom, thereby blending cultural legacy with natural conservation.

He noted that the inaugural board meeting was deliberately held in Oyo to felicitate with the Alaafin on his ascension to the throne and to strengthen partnership with the palace in promoting heritage tourism.

Dr. Ononogbu appealed for the monarch’s continued support in raising the profile of Old Oyo National Park and other parks across the country as treasures of national pride and tools for sustainable development.

Also speaking, Dr. Goni urged Nigerians to patronize national parks nationwide to learn more about wildlife and appreciate the ecological, spiritual, and cultural values of nature in sustaining a healthy environment.