By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Emir of Borgu, Dr. Muhammad Haliru Dantoro, has identified tourism as a toll for national development, stressing need for more support for
National Parks spread across the country.
The Emir said this when he received a delegation of the Environmental Media Correspondents Association of Nigeria (EMCAN), in Abuja.
Dr. Dantoro during the visit received letter of appointment as a member of the advisory board of EMCAN.
The Conservator-General of the National Parks Service (NPS), Dr. Ibrahim Goni, led the EMCAN members to the Emir
Speaking during the visit, the ‘Mai Borgu’ said the nation will earn massive revenue when the natural resources are fully harnessed.
He said by the time resources are channeled towards making the parks functional, teeming jobs would be provided, while the areas, or towns where the parks are domiciled will witness rapid socio-economic growth.
The First Class traditional leader in Niger State, while accepting the offer, pledged to support EMCAN and continue to champion the cause for a healthy environment not only within his emirate, but across the country.
Dr. Dantoro, who lamented the spate of environmental challenges affecting some parts of the country, advised the association executives to continue engaging relevant stakeholders and government, with a view to actualizing EMCAN’s laudable objective of tackling various forms of environmental degradation in the country.
He also promised to involve the association in the special activities organized by his emirate, as part of showcasing the socio-cultural heritage of his people.
In a remark, Mr. Chuks Oyema, the EMCAN Chairman, eulogized the Emir’s outstanding leadership qualities and vision to sustain the legacies of his late father, who is the immediate-past Mai Borgu.
Oyema, said EMCAN, since its formation, has continued to engage key stakeholders, and is already partnering with relevant organisations to address the myriads of challenges affecting the environment.
