The Health Is Wealth for Life Sustainability in Africa (HEWELISA) and the National Park Service (NPS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the sustainable management of Nigeria’s natural resources.
The MoU, signed in Abuja on Wednesday, is aimed at promoting capacity building, skills acquisition and health extension services for park rangers and support zone communities.
The five-year partnership is designed to alleviate poverty and improve livelihoods in host communities while promoting environmental conservation and the protection of Nigeria’s natural resources.
Mrs Ganiyat Oladeji, Chief Executive Officer of HEWELISA, expressed satisfaction with the partnership and the confidence reposed in her organisation. She also appreciated the NPS for its willingness to collaborate on the initiative.
Oladeji said the MoU represented more than the signing of a document, describing it as a shared vision, a commitment to partnership and a determination to promote environmental sustainability, public health awareness, conservation and the well-being of present and future generations.
She added that a healthy environment was essential for healthy communities, while healthy communities were fundamental to national development.
According to her, the partnership reflected a shared understanding that the health and welfare of park rangers and support zone communities were closely linked to environmental protection and the sustainable management of natural resources.
She assured the NPS that her organisation would fulfil the terms of the MoU, adding that the collaboration would positively impact communities and contribute to a healthier, greener and more sustainable Nigeria.
Responding, Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General of the NPS, said HEWELISA was required to adopt a structured monthly or quarterly progress-reporting system to keep the Service informed of its activities and achievements and ensure accountability.
He explained that the MoU was not sacrosanct and could be amended by mutual agreement between both parties, where necessary, to accommodate emerging needs and improve implementation.
