Traditional rulers from communities hosting the Oba Hills National Park have called on the Federal Government to reserve 70 per cent of employment opportunities arising from the park’s operations for indigenes of the host communities.
The traditional rulers made the demand on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, during a courtesy visit to the Conservator General of the National Park Service at the Park Headquarters in Abuja.
The Secretary of the Oba Hills Traditional Council, Mr Shedrack Adebayo Adelakun, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, said upgrading Oba Hills to National Park status was a good development, describing it as an opportunity to protect the area’s natural heritage while improving the livelihoods of surrounding communities.
According to the traditional rulers, National Park status could enhance wildlife protection, ecological restoration, research, environmental education and nature-based tourism, while creating opportunities for employment, skills acquisition and community-based enterprises.
The monarchs, however, stressed that the benefits would require sustained investment and a strong partnership between the National Park Service and the communities whose ancestral ties are connected to the landscape.
On the planting of 11,000 indigenous seedlings, the monarchs noted that the development would help recover lost vegetation, protect soil and water sources, improve wildlife habitats, strengthen resilience to climate change and provide a healthier environment for future generations.
The rulers also urged the National Park Service to ensure adequate maintenance and monitoring of planted seedlings, as well as protection against fire and grazing, to guarantee the long-term survival of the restored areas.
Among their major requests, the traditional rulers called for “regular stakeholder engagements involving park management, traditional institutions, community representatives and other stakeholders to address concerns and prevent disputes.
“Greater participation of host communities in employment, training, restoration activities, environmental education and other legitimate opportunities linked to the park.”
The rulers called for clear demarcation of the park’s internal and external boundaries where necessary, saying this would help prevent land-related disputes and provide clarity for affected communities, especially considering recent indications of mining interests around Akinleve Town.
The traditional rulers also urged the government to prioritise the physical development of host communities and provide budgetary consideration for traditional rulers within the communities, and appealed for clarification on the government’s position regarding the continued cultivation of land where new seedlings have been planted.
They also sought a response on concerns surrounding the destruction of existing vegetation by exotic trees, referring to modalities earlier discussed with a committee that had visited the communities.
“Our demands are made in the spirit of partnership rather than confrontation; the long-term success of Oba Hills National Park would depend on the confidence and cooperation of surrounding communities.
“Traditional institutions will promote peaceful relations, discourage illegal activities, mobilise community support and encourage residents, particularly youths, to see the park as an opportunity for environmental protection, tourism development and economic advancement, Adelakun said.
“We hope that Oba Hills National Park will become a model for ecological restoration and community-supported conservation in Nigeria, with nature protected alongside the legitimate interests and development needs of host communities.”