A former Minister of Defence, retired Lt.-Gen. Theophilous Danjuma, has donated $300,000 (about N53 million) for the establishment of a forest reserve in Nigeria.
The Director of the Nigerian Montane Forest Project (NMFP), Associate Prof. Hazel Chapman, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday.
Chapman said that the forest reserve to be established at the Ngel Nyaki Forest Reserve on the Mambilla Plateau in Taraba, would boost forest bio-diversity and conservation research in Nigeria.
She said that the reserve would be the first of its type in Nigeria and fifth in Africa.
“Forest Bio-diversity and Conservation Research in Nigeria has received a major boost with the donation of $300,000 by T.Y. Danjuma to the Nigerian Montane Forest Project for the establishment of a Smithsonian Plot.
“The forests in the mountains of Taraba State are rich in bio-diversity and it is my hope that this funding will ensure the future of Ngel Nyaki and the communities around for a very long time.
“This donation clearly shows that T.Y. Danjuma knows the importance of protecting the Ngel Nyaki bio-diversity.
“From what I have observed of the project so far, this investment will lead to better understanding of how global change is impacting on Nigeria’s Montane habitats and will support the development of solutions to the challenges,” she said.
The conservationist said that the fund would be used for the development of 25 hectares of 500m by 100m plot of land in the area.
Chapman noted that the plot when developed, would serve as a modern research centre for ecology and conservation students from local and international universities.
The director also expressed optimism that the donation would complement conservation efforts in Nigeria.
“Almost all the research carried out by the NMFP is aimed at conservation, restoration and management of the forests and understanding the importance of plants and animals in them.
“It is a very important research because Nigeria has already lost most of its primary forests and their potential benefits,” she said.
