By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Conservator General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni has assured the Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong that the take over of the Pandam Game Reserve in Quanpan Local Government Area will lead to enormous development of tourism, security and economic opportunities for the people.
The CG disclosed this when he met with Governor Lalong at the Plateau Governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja to brief him on the approval for the Federal Government take over of the Pandam Game Reserve by President Muhammadu Buhari to become a National Park.
A statement by Dr. Makut Simon Macham, Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of Plateau State quoted Dr. Goni as saying the application by Plateau State Government for the take over of the park and its upgrade into a National Park has been pending since 2012, and after due analysis and recommendation, the President approved it out of the many applications from many States.
“He said when the take over is completed, all staff of the Park who wish to join the National Park Service will be absorbed. In addition, he told Governor Lalong that security of the Park will be enhanced with technology and more personnel.
“More infrastructure according to him will also be provided for the park to boost tourism and enhance its fortunes through international funding such as the Green Fund. He said jobs will be created for the host community who will benefit from activities in and around the Park.
“Responding, an elated Governor Lalong expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving the takeover of the Pandam Game Reserve among the 10 recently granted approvals out of the over 100 applications from various States.
“He said the assurances by the Conservator General are assuring as the lack of information has fueled unfounded anxiety by some people who think the State is losing the Park. This according to him is not correct as the State is rather going to gain by having Federal interventions that will make the Park more viable, safe and secure.
“Governor Lalong said apart from improving the value of the Park, there is going to be better security of the reserve which has in recent times become a hideout for criminals.
“He invited the Conservator General and his team to visit Plateau State immediately for further interface with key stakeholders towards the smooth takeover of the Park.”
