The Ondo State Government has announced plans to collaborate with the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) to restore and develop the Osse River Park into a world-class eco-tourism destination.
Chief Segun Odusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, disclosed this during a meeting with FUTA’s Departments of Forestry and Wood Technology, and Ecotourism and Wildlife Management.
Odusanya said the state welcomes technical and logistical support from both local and international partners to boost the park’s conservation and tourism potential.
“The OSSE River Park is the state’s only conservation park which provides a habitat for wild animals, but it requires attention due to human activities,” he said.
Also, Mr Olushola Ibosiola, Director of Wildlife Conservation, Parks, and Ecotourism, emphasised the importance of wildlife conservation and ecotourism, saying that the park covered 285.79 km²
According to him, the benefits of ecotourism include revenue generation, economic incentives, awareness, and research support.
Ibosiola, however, acknowledged the challenges of ensuring sustainable practices and balancing economic benefits with conservation goals.
Prof. Oluseyi Fabiyi and Prof. Adekunle Ogunjinmi, from the two departments in FUTA, expressed their willingness to collaborate with the government to harness the park’s potential.
The duo said the international bodies were willing to provide support for wildlife conservation and ecotourism development.
They promised to schedule a visit to assess the park’s condition and determine the level of intervention required.
