The Olu of Akinleye Town, Oba Hill, Osun State, Oba Nafiu Abiodun Taofeek, has appealed to the National Park Service and the Federal Government to prioritise employment and development opportunities for residents of the host communities.
The traditional ruler made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Conservator-General of the National Park Service in Abuja, where he expressed appreciation for efforts by the Service to improve relations with communities around the park.
Speaking on behalf of other traditional rulers, Oba Akinyele said the establishment of the national park had initially raised concerns among residents, who feared that the creation of the park would restrict access to their ancestral lands and livelihoods.
He, however, said subsequent engagements and sensitisation by the National Park Service had helped to ease the concerns and build trust between the communities and the authorities.
According to him, the communities now recognise the importance of the park, particularly its role in providing security and protecting the environment.
He said the presence of uniformed personnel had also changed the perception of residents, adding that the communities now respect and support the work of the National Park Service.
The traditional ruler particularly commended the leadership of the Conservator-General for engaging with the communities and addressing some of their concerns.
He appealed to the National Park Service to give members of the host communities priority when employment opportunities arise.
“Whenever there is work, please help us and give our boys a chance to work. We want our boys to be like you,” he appealed.
He explained that many young people from the communities had completed secondary and tertiary education but remained unemployed, with some resorting to farming because of the lack of opportunities.
He warned that prolonged unemployment among young people could expose them to negative activities, stressing that employment would give them a sense of purpose and strengthen their support for the park.
The traditional rulers also called for the establishment of National Park offices closer to the host communities to enable residents to work more closely with the Service.
“We need an office in our place. Our people are ready to work and support the National Park Service. If there is an office there, we can work together,” he said.
The communities further appealed for assistance from the Federal Government and the National Park Service to support local development and economic initiatives.
He said the traditional rulers were ready to cooperate fully with the National Park Service, adding that greater support would strengthen the relationship between the park authorities and the host communities.
“We need the assistance of the Federal Government and the National Park Service. All the kings are ready to support,” he said.
He expressed optimism that continued cooperation would lead to peaceful and mutually beneficial relations between the park and its host communities.
