Commentary on the need for FG to reclaim Yankari Game Reserves

THE NEED FOR YANKARI GAME RESERVES TO BE RETURN TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FOR PROPER PROTECTION OF BIODIVERSITY AND TO BOOST TOURISM POTENTIAL OF BAUCH STATE

In 1956, the Yankari Forest Reserve in Bauchi province became the first game reserve in the country.

The Yankari Game Reserve in Bauchi State, Nigeria, is perhaps the most popular in the West African sub-region, a revenue-generating natural edifice that has in years spoke volumes of the fact that tourism is an essential part of the state economy and country at large.MEDIA TOUR: Yankari Games Reserve is Free & Safe For Resort

Read also: Daily Trust 2020 Article on How animals are dying, structures decaying in Yankari |

But it’s unfortunate that since the return of Yankari Game Reserves to the state in 2006 till date, the reserves have lost their place as one of the best tourist attractions due to neglect by previous administration mostly associated with limited funding, lack of staff and sound working equipment, especially patrol vehicles and modern weapons.

The Poachers and cattle herders who drive their livestock also graze inside the protected areas which also pose a serious threat. And also insecurity in and around reserves areas has emerged as the greatest threat to other existence of these areas.

So Because of these problems, the ecological integrity of the protected areas has been weakened and valuable species worth millions have been lost.

However, It is given the above, that we are calling on his Excellency the Executive Governor Of Bauchi State Senator Bala A Mohammed and all the relevant stakeholders to reconsider returning Yankari Game Reserves to the Federal Government to revamp its management activities and to rehabilitate the infrastructural facilities for effective operation by extension create job opportunities for our teeming youths.

On the other hand, reviving the reserves will boost the tourism industry and also serves as a major source of revenue generation to the state and reduce the over-dependence on Federal Government allocation.

It’s also on record, that during one of the visits of the World Conservation Society to the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Gov Bala A Mohammed, in which the Governor expressed his disapproval of the return of Yankari Game Reserve to Bauchi State Government in 2006.

We hope Gov Bala led administration alongside relevant stakeholders will take this ample opportunity to set the record straight and ensure Yankari Game Reserve make it the right place as one of the best if not the best tourist reserves in West Africa by extension restored the lost glory of our tourism sector as efforts by the successive administration wasn’t fruitful.

We hope the present administration will look into this matter. Please, find attached the video.

Thank you.

Yasser S. Babantakko
Member, Representing Bauchi South,
Bauchi State Youth Democratic Assembly
24/08/2021