By Stella Odueme
Traditional rulers from communities hosting Oba Hills National Park in Osun State have appealed to the Federal Government to reserve 70 per cent of employment opportunities for indigenes, while prioritising infrastructure development and improved livelihoods in the area.
The monarchs also called for urgent demarcation of the park's boundaries to prevent conflicts over farmlands and address concerns about prospective mining activities around Akinleye Town.
The requests were made during a courtesy visit by the traditional rulers to the Conservator-General of the National Park Service at the service's headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday..
Speaking during the visit, the Olu of Akinleye Town, Oba Nafiu Abiodun Taofeek, said the establishment of the national park had initially generated apprehension among residents, who feared losing access to their farmlands and other sources of livelihood.
He, however, explained that engagement with park officials had helped address some of the concerns and improved understanding of the objectives of the national park.
The monarch commended the Conservator-General and the park management for their efforts to maintain peace with the host communities, noting that the relationship had improved following discussions with traditional leaders.
He appealed to the authorities to provide employment opportunities for youths and qualified graduates in the communities, stressing that joblessness could expose young people to social vices.
“We want our boys to have the opportunity to work and become like you,” he said, urging the authorities to give indigenes fair consideration whenever vacancies arose.
Oba Taofeek also requested the establishment of a National Park Service office close to the host communities to facilitate communication, strengthen cooperation and enable residents to participate more effectively in conservation activities.
He assured the authorities of the traditional rulers' willingness to support the park's operations but emphasised the need for assistance from the Federal Government to address the development needs of the communities.
In his address on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Secretary of the Oba Hills Traditional Council, Mr Shedrack Adebayo Adelakun, described the upgrading of Oba Hills to national park status as an opportunity to protect the area's natural heritage and promote sustainable development.
Adelakun said the designation could enhance wildlife conservation, ecological restoration, environmental education and nature-based tourism, while creating employment and livelihood opportunities for residents.
He particularly commended the ongoing restoration programme involving the planting of 11,000 indigenous seedlings, supported by FR2N, IHS Towers and Polaris Bank through the Nigerian Conservation Foundation.
According to him, the initiative demonstrates how partnerships can translate conservation commitments into practical action that benefits both the environment and surrounding communities.
He also praised the Acting Conservator of Parks, DOP A. Claurie Kasem, and his team for their cooperation and professional conduct in managing the park.
The traditional council secretary, however, stressed that the success of the conservation initiative would depend on sustained engagement with local residents, adequate maintenance of planted seedlings and protection of restored areas against fire and grazing.
The traditional rulers called for regular consultations involving park management, community representatives and other stakeholders to resolve concerns and prevent misunderstandings.
They also urged the government to prioritise physical development in the host communities and consider providing support for traditional rulers who play important roles in maintaining peace and mobilising residents for conservation.
On land-related concerns, the monarchs called for clear identification of the park's boundaries, including internal demarcations where necessary, to reduce disputes and ensure that residents understood the limits of permitted activities.
They further sought clarification on an earlier commitment to review concerns about the destruction of existing vegetation by exotic tree species.
The traditional rulers also raised concerns about mining interests around Akinleye Town, insisting that the boundaries should be demarcated urgently to prevent potential conflicts.
On agriculture, they advocated continued farming in appropriate areas, with consideration for sustainable practices that would support both conservation and local livelihoods.
The monarchs pledged to encourage residents, particularly youths, to cooperate with park officials, discourage illegal activities and protect the area's wildlife and vegetation.
In his remarks, the Acting Conservator of Parks at Oba Hills National Park, Olakunle Azeez, expressed gratitude to the Conservator-General and the service's management for approving the traditional rulers' visit.
Azeez said the monarchs were pleasantly surprised by the prompt approval of their request, which was submitted on October 25.
He thanked the management for its support and commended the cooperation between the park authorities and the traditional rulers.
The speakers expressed optimism that sustained engagement, government intervention and stronger community participation would strengthen conservation efforts and promote peaceful coexistence between Oba Hills National Park and its host communities.