The Managing Director of the Kano State Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency (KAZOWMA), Conservator Sadiq Kura Muhammad, commemorated World Rangers Day at Falgore Base Camp Doguwa Local Government, Kano State.
During the event, he expressed gratitude to the Governor of Kano State and his council for their immense support and contributions to KAZOWMA.
He also commended the courage and dedication of the rangers in performing their duties.
Conservator Sadiq Kura Muhammad revealed that the Government of Kano State, under the leadership of Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, has enacted a new law as part of its forestry and wildlife conservation initiative to protect and defend its Rangers, forestry Resources and wildlife within the Falgore Reserve.
READ MORE: Stop the Axe: Kano Zoological and Botanical Garden next on line of destruction
He pointed out that the Law will take effect before the end of the year and will consequently curb the excesses and illegal activities of trespassers.
“The penalty for breaching this new Law shall be ten (10) years imprisonment”
Sadiq Kura highlighted that KAZOWMA will establish Entrepreneurship and handcrafts businesses for the people of Doguwa, Tudunwada and Sumaila Local Governments in order to divert people’s attention away from damaging the forest resources.
“and to introduce a system that will improve the lives of the communities, with robust laws to protect the forest”
He stressed that Kano State Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes ACReSALs’ support, paved way for the forest authorities to carry out their activities more easily through the provision of motorcycles and other Interventions.
READ MORE: Kano Zoo: Shortage Of Animals, Unkept Environment Bother Visitors
“ ACReSAL has drilled a borehole to alleviate the suffering of the people and has pledged to continue providing support to the Falgore Camp in the future”
The Managing Director urged residents of Doguwa, Tudun Wada and Sumaila Local Governments to know that this forest is a fortune for the people of Kano State and if they fail to preserve it, Kano State will face a difficult situation in the future.
“ next year’s event will be hosted by the Executive Governor by insha Allahu”
The District Head of Doguwa represented by Dagacin Tagwaye Alhaji Zakari Iliyasu hinted that is the first World Rangers Day celebration in the community.
He also expressed gratitude to the Managing Director for his invaluable contributions and support, which made the event possible and memorable.
The Director Zoo Services, Hajiya Hafsat Bello Adam stated that the World Rangers Day is a day to remember the heroes and guardians of the Wild life and those who lost their lives through the work while protecting animals and plants in the forest.
She however maintained that research has revealed that approximately one hundred and forty (140) people from thirty-Seven (37) countries lost their lives in 2024 while working to protect the forest resources.
The Director Planning KAZOWMA, Alhaji Ahmad Tijjani noted that the United Nations set had aside the World Rangers Day to recognize the commitment of rangers in dedicating themselves to protecting the forests from intrusions and destruction caused by human activities.
He said the public are often unaware of the devastating consequences that such destruction will have in the future.
The director revealed that Rangers play a crucial role in preventing destruction, global warming, soil erosion, and purifying the air we breathe.
The event was marked by tour of the game reserve and award presentation in memory of those who lost their lives while in active service as well as retirees.
The event witnessed Large turn out of top government functionaries, NGOs, CBOs including the Falgore Youth Development Association, Nigerian Red Cross society among others.