Buhari Okays Upgrade of Presidential Wildlife Sanctuary at State House

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the remodelling and upgrading of the Presidential Wildlife Sanctuary (PWLS) as part of efforts to enhance the practice of conservation in the country. 

The Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar disclosed this in Abuja, while receiving a delegation of wildlife experts from Zimbabwe on a week-long assessment tour of the PWLS, formerly known as the State House zoo.

According to a release issued Thursday by Patience Tilley-Gyado, Assistant Director, Information, State House, Umar explained that given the success of Zimbabwe in wildlife conservation, the interaction with the experts from the southern African country fits into the ‘‘perfect picture’’ of  partnering with a sister African country knowledgeable in international best practices on the subject matter.

He underscored the importance of safeguarding the wildlife in the seat of government not only for recreational purposes but also for rehabilitation, research, and knowledge sharing.

Noting that the State House was endowed with indigenous wildlife, the Permanent Secretary said it was only proper to bring in experts to advise on the best way to encourage harmony with nature and decrease interference with wildlife habitat.

“We want a situation where animals can roam freely and those not able to do that for obvious reasons, would have enclosures that are internationally acceptable which allow them to, as much as possible, live a free and unencumbered life, raising their young and generally enjoying safety and security of existence.

‘‘They could also have the opportunities to express themselves, exhibit their social behaviour to the fullest and have their young ones in a very safe and secure environment,’’ he said. 

Also speaking, Director of Maintenance, State House, Joshua Apagu recalled that the idea for the remodelling of the facility commenced in 2017, followed by study tours to some African facilities in 2019, leading to extensive conversations with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMAPARKS) and some private organisations including Wild is Life Trust, an organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and rewilds African animals.  

On his part, Head of Chancery, Zimbabwe Embassy in Nigeria, Tonderai Mutuke, recognised Nigeria’s potential in the wildlife sector and encouraged the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in this area.

A Veterinary Doctor with ZIMPARKS, Columbas Chaitezvi, pledged that his team would submit a comprehensive report and appropriate recommendations after assessment of the facility, expressing delight in partnering with Nigeria in an area his country has comparative advantage.

Other members of the Zimbabwean delegation are Roxyanne Danckwerts, Chief Executive Officer, Wild is Life Trust, Craig Danckwerts, Director, Wild is Life Trust , Yvonne Janders, Managing Director, Route Through Africa and Amanda Gamuchira Vambe of ZIMPARKS. 

Deji Elumoye

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