NEWS
Abia Set to Host South-East’s First National Park as Gov. Alex Otti Backs Landmark Conservation Project
Abia State is set to make history as the first state in the South-East to host a National Park, following Governor Alex Otti’s approval of the initiative and commitment to providing the necessary support for its establishment.
His Excellency Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, gave the nod on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, when he received a delegation from the National Park Service, led by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, at the Governor’s Office.
The proposed National Park is expected to strengthen environmental conservation in the state while opening up new opportunities in tourism, employment, investment and sustainable development.
Receiving the delegation, Governor Otti described the initiative as timely and assured the National Park Service of the State Government’s full cooperation. He disclosed that, coincidentally, he had earlier approved a request by the Commissioner for Environment for the tracing and identification of forest reserves across the state.
According to the Governor, Abia currently has 19 forest reserves, with 18 still available for consideration. He explained that the number of reserves presents a unique opportunity for the state to establish conservation areas across its 17 Local Government Areas.
“Coincidences just keep happening. Earlier this morning, I approved a request from the Honourable Commissioner for Environment for the tracing of forest reserves. Clearly, there is somewhere to start from,” Governor Otti said.
The Governor subsequently directed the Commissioner for Environment to collaborate with the National Park Service and relevant environmental experts to identify the most suitable location for the proposed National Park.
He also announced plans by the State Government to constitute a dedicated team, to be led by the Commissioner for Environment and supported by climate change and environmental experts, to drive the process and ensure that the project is properly developed.
Emphasising the importance of protecting the environment, Governor Otti said technological advancement should not be allowed to undermine the power and importance of nature.
“Nature is something you cannot do away with. Sometimes, when you think you have overcome nature through technology, nature will still rise. That is why conservation is very important,” Governor Otti stated.
The Governor thanked the National Park Service for bringing the initiative to Abia and congratulated ACG. Ugochukwu Michael on his elevation to the rank of Assistant Conservator-General.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to initiatives capable of protecting Abia’s natural heritage, promoting environmental sustainability and creating opportunities for the people.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Park Service, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, commended Governor Otti for what he described as the achievements recorded by his administration over the last three years.
Dr. Ononogbu said the delegation visited the Governor to remind him of his earlier commitment to supporting the establishment of a National Park in Abia, stressing that the absence of any National Park in the South-East has created a major gap that needs to be addressed.
“The South-East has zero in having a national park. This is a glaring omission that must be corrected, and Abia State, under your leadership, is best positioned to pioneer this change,” Dr. Ononogbu stated.
He explained that locating the first National Park in the South-East in Abia would not only address the ecological imbalance but would also give the people of the region greater access to opportunities within the National Park Service.
According to him, the project would provide career and employment opportunities for sons and daughters of the South-East while positioning Abia as a major destination for conservation, tourism and related investments.
Beyond its environmental importance, Dr. Ononogbu highlighted the potential socio-economic benefits of the proposed park, including job creation, increased revenue generation, attraction of investments, improved security and reduction in crime.
He therefore requested that the Abia State Government identify a suitable forest or game reserve that could be upgraded into a National Park, constitute a committee to work with the National Park Service, and forward a formal proposal for the establishment of the park to the Honourable Minister of Environment or the Conservator General of the National Park Service.
With the Governor’s approval and the commencement of steps to identify a suitable location, Abia now appears poised to take the lead in a major conservation initiative that could redefine environmental protection and eco-tourism in the South-East.
If successfully established, the proposed park would not only preserve Abia’s forest resources and biodiversity but could also become a new economic asset for the state, attracting visitors, investors and conservation partners while creating sustainable opportunities for local communities.
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna; the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Professor Uche Eme Uche; Commissioner for Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe; Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Hon. Ferdinand Ekeoma; Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Abia State Public-Private Partnership
, Sir Chinedu Chijioke, among others.