Metro
National Park Service Takesover Kampe Games Reserve
The National Park Service has taken over Kampe Games Reserve as a National Park in another historic event held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, today, February 4, 2025. The handing-over ceremony was conducted by the Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRaman AbdulRazaq, with all key stakeholders in attendance.
Inaugurating the Steering Committee, Governor Abdulrahaman, represented by the Deputy Governor, Elder Kayode Alabi, said it was a significant step taken to improve the environment and advance the sustainability of natural resources.
He added that the event marked “a crucial moment in our collective efforts, and the inauguration of the Steering Committee is a fulfillment of the Federal Government’s roadmap for transforming the Kampe Games Reserve into a National Park.” He tasked the Steering Committee to guide the process and bring their invaluable experience to ensure a successful transition.
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, in his speech, said the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, had approved the upgrade of 10 Forest and Game Reserves to National Parks, increasing the total number of National Parks in Nigeria to 17.
The Honourable Minister, represented by the Conservator General, National Park Service, Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, stated that the establishment of additional National Parks aligns with the country’s efforts to meet global biodiversity conservation targets, as outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), and to enhance internal security.
He commended the Kwara State Governor’s swift response to the call by the Federal Government, saying his commitment to protecting the planet is truly commendable, adding that this role in the sustainable development of the Nation is invaluable.
The Etsu Patigi, Alhaji Ibrahim Umar Bologi II, thanked the Governor for taking the bold step to hand over Kampe Game Reserve to the National Park Service. The Royal father, who is the vice chairman of Kwara State traditional council, promised total cooperation of the host communities towards a seamless transition process.
The Conservator General’s entourage included Assistant Conservator General, Ecology and Resource Management, Dr. MA Kabir, and the ceremony was attended by the state’s cabinet members, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Muhammed Shiaba.
A middle-aged woman, Christine Chika Anyanwu, who was paralysed for one year, has shared the incredible story of how she miraculously regained the use of her legs.
Anyanwu who lives in the United Kingdom gave her testimony at Zion Ministry, Okota, Lagos, last Wednesday. She disclosed that her problem started on March 26, 2025, when she collapsed at work in London and became unconscious, and was later diagnosed with functional neurological disorder.
After four months of admission in the hospital, she was discharged to continue treatment from home. She suffered several falls and multiple seizures at home and damaged her spine, and this compounded the problem. She was confined to a wheelchair for one year, with all the medical specialists she consulted in the United Kingdom saying she was unlikely to walk again.
Anyanwu said she was on the verge of giving up on life, but decided to make one final effort by heeding her mother’s counsel to seek for God’s intervention at Zion Prayer Movement Outreach in Lagos. Despite discouragement from siblings and a Catholic Nun who warned her not to go to Zion, and against the advice of her doctors not to travel over a long distance in her condition, she embarked on the trip to Lagos.
It was at last Wednesday’s Adoration programme of the ministry, that the Spiritual Director, Evangelist Chukwuebuka Anozie Obi, who noticed the woman confined to a mobility scooter, conducted a deliverance and prayer session for her.
What followed threw the auditorium into a frenzy as Anyanwu who had neither used her legs not stood up from her wheelchair got up from the scooter and started walking. When she returned to share her testimony, her siblings and the Nun who advised her against going to Zion Ministry now joined in celebrating her healing.
As part of efforts to ensure a transparent recruitment of 50,000 police constables, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has co-opted the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) as a critical partner in the screening process.
Head of Protocol and Public Affairs at PSC Headquarters, Abuja, Torty Njoku Kalu, said in a statement on Thursday that the decision was jointly taken during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened by the PSC in Abuja.
According to him, this forms part of the final preparations for the physical and credentials screening stage of the recruitment exercise, scheduled to commence on Monday, March 9, 2026, at designated locations across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory.
Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd.), commended the PCRC for its relentless sacrifices and commitment to national security. He acknowledged PCRC’s tradition of investing personal resources in national security, and urged it to bring that same level of dedication to the recruitment process.
“The Commission is resolutely poised to ensure that only the finest and most credible Nigerians wear the uniform of a police constable. An effective police force is built on the quality of its recruitment,” DIG Argungu stated.
“This is why we have called upon you, the PCRC, and other stakeholders to serve as the guardians of this process.”
He charged the PCRC state chairmen to work with PSC officials, state employment and career departments, as well as the NPF State Intelligence Department (SID), to scrutinise applicants.
Their mandate includes verifying character traits to prevent individuals with questionable backgrounds from infiltrating the Force.
Responding on behalf of the PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, the Deputy National President (North), Amb. Wada Sadiq, expressed profound gratitude to the PSC for the confidence reposed in them.
He pledged the Committee’s full support in selecting credible Nigerians for the Force.
The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has reportedly removed Benjamin Hundeyin as the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO) and replaced him with a new appointee, though the name hasn’t been officially announced.
Hundeyin was previously serving as the Lagos Command PRO before being promoted to the national role.
This move comes as part of Disu’s efforts to revamp the Nigeria Police Force and improve its public image.
As the 23rd IGP, Disu has emphasized professionalism, accountability, and transparency, warning officers that there will be no tolerance for misconduct or abuse of power.
