By Femi Bolaji

Dr. Zubairu Hamman-Gabdo, the First Class Chief of Gashaka, has praised the partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and Africa Nature Investor (ANI) for bringing peace and improved security to communities surrounding the Gashaka-Gumti National Park.

Speaking at his palace, Dr. Hamman-Gabdo noted that the park’s lost glory is being restored, with the return of some wild animals that had left due to poaching threats.

He attributed the improvement to the partnership, which has led to: Reduced banditry and killing of wild animals, Improved security in and around the park, Employment opportunities for locals, Corporate social responsibility initiatives impacting the community, Increased awareness about protecting wildlife and Reduced encroachment, such as grazing and farming inside the park

Dr. Hamman-Gabdo advised those writing petitions to be objective and seek clarity on the successes recorded.

Conservator Joseph Ntui also spoke, highlighting the partnership’s impact on improving the federal government’s capacity to protect endangered animals.

He noted that the partnership has: Improved training for rangers, Provided sophisticated equipment for monitoring and Enabled the use of a helicopter for deep forest monitoring and quick response to poaching

The Gashaka-Gumti National Park covers 6,731 square kilometers, stretching from Taraba into Adamawa.