BAUCHI – The Bauchi state government says it has earmarked N4 billion to reinvigorate Yankari Game Reserve and Sumu Wildlife Park, to encourage sustainable tourism development.
The government has allocated the fund in its 2025 budget, to fasttrack infrastructure development in the parks and other tourism sites in the state.
Mr Abdullahi Hassan, Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, said this in an interview with the newsmen on Tuesday in Bauchi
He said the government was making huge investments to upgrade key tourism facilities, showcasing the state’s rich cultural heritage for pleasure seekers and researchers.
Hassan said that N2.7 billion has been set aside for the rehabilitation and upgrade of the Yankari Game Reserve and Resort.
He said the project included installation of solar power systems to ensure uninterrupted power supply while modern park facilities would be provided at the cost of N1 billion.
The commissioner said the government would expend N1 billion on the upgrade of the Sumu Wildlife Park to attract tourists and boost the state revenue base.
Hassan said that a 13.3 kilometre Kafin Madaki – Sumu Road, an administration block and earth dams would be constructed to support park operations and provide clean water for animals and human consumption.
“Sumu Park, known for its friendly giraffes, zebras and other non-threatening wildlife will see enhancement aimed at preserving its unique features.
“Plans are underway to introduce new species to the park, further enriching the visitor experience,” he said.
Also, Nasiru Yusuf, the General Manager, Bauchi State Tourism Board, reiterated the state government commitment to revitalise the wildlife reserves through an ambitious project tagged: “Wildlife Rejuvenation Programme.”
The programme, he said, is designed to herald habitat restoration and restock endangered species as well as strengthen conservation laws.
“We are focusing on rebuilding the wildlife populations, especially in the Yankari Game Reserve, which has long been a symbol of pride to Bauchi and Nigeria at large.
“Wildlife conservation is not just a government responsibility rather a shared duty for future generations,” he said.
According to Yusuf, the state government is partnering with international bodies, including the Czech Republic, and signed several Memorandums of Understandings (MoUs), to enhance development of key tourism sites.
Similarly, Steven Gassol, a former Head of Forestry Department, said the Bauchi state government was collaborating with the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), to innoculate over 12,000 cattle in agro pastoral communities surrounding the Yankari Game Reserve.
According to Cassole, the current state of wildlife in several protected areas across the country remains precarious, largely due to poaching, habitat loss and climate-related pressures.
He, however, said the federal and state governments have initiated a series of interventions to counter the threats.
He said the interventions included the expansion of protected reserves, stricter enforcement of anti poaching laws, and community-based conservation programmes aimed at empowering local communities to take active roles in preserving biodiversity.
This, he said, was being complemented by awareness creation activities to educate the people about the ecological and economic value of wildlife.
Cassole further lauded the synergy between regional bodies towards addressing cross border wildlife trafficking, which has been a major concern of the transnational conservation corridors.
“This collective action represents a promising shift towards sustainable conservation, continued synergy between the stakeholders will ensure long term success.” .(NAN)
