The Ondo State Government has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), to restore and develop the Osse River Park into an internationally recognized ecotourism destination and promote wildlife conservation.
Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, disclosed this during a strategic meeting with officials from FUTA’s Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, and the Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management.
Odusanya emphasized the state’s commitment to partnering with national and international institutions to receive both technical and logistical support for the park’s rehabilitation and conservation.
“The Osse River Park is Ondo State’s only conservation park and a natural habitat for wildlife, but it is under serious threat due to increasing human activities. There is an urgent need for intervention,” he said.
Also speaking, Mr. Olushola Ibosiola, Director of Wildlife Conservation, Parks, and Ecotourism, highlighted the ecological and economic importance of the 285.79 km² park. He noted that ecotourism offers opportunities for revenue generation, research, and public awareness, while also providing economic incentives for conservation.
However, he acknowledged the challenges of balancing economic development with sustainable environmental practices.
Prof. Oluseyi Fabiyi and Prof. Adekunle Ogunjinmi, representing the university departments, expressed strong interest in collaborating with the state government. They said international partners were open to supporting conservation and ecotourism initiatives.
The professors also promised to conduct a field assessment of the park to determine the level of intervention needed for its development and sustainability.
