Mandate Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development and Chairman of the FCT ACReSAL Project Technical Committee, Lawan Kolo Geidam has reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to to fostering a secure environment for agricultural activities while working to prevent illegal forest exploitation and other detrimental environmental practices.

He made this pledge during the Passing Out Parade and ceremony marking the end of a one-week intensive training programme for 30 Forest Guards in the Federal CapitalTerritory.

The training which was facilitated by the FCT Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) Project in conjunction with the National Parks Service (NPS) equipp the Forest Guards with advanced skills aimed at enhancing their capacities to protect and conserve forest resources in the FederalCapitalTerritory.

Geidam highlighted the crucial role forests play in maintaining a healthy environment, outlining the proactive measures taken by the FCT Administration through the Forestry Department of the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat to protect the exsisting forest reserves and combat harmful environmental practices, particularly at the community level. One such initiative he noted was the recent sensitization campaign across the 17 Chiefdoms of the FCT, aimed at educating community leaders on the damaging impacts of harmful environmental practices and promoting sustainable methods

He also recalled the recent workshop organised for 150 youths and Bee farmers focused on building their capacities for healthy forest exploration practices.

“Early this year, we conducted an extensive advocacy campaign across the 17 Chiefdoms of FCT, educating communities on the dangers of poaching and trafficking endangered wildlife species, and the devastating impact on our ecosystem and biodiversity,” Geidam said.

He urged the participants to apply their new skills in their responsibilities, disclosing that the Secretariat has taken measures to initiate wildlife crime prevention initiatives through the empowerment of local hunters in other livelihood alternatives to discourage them from engaging in wildlife crime which is punishable by law.

In Geidams words, ” ” We believe that your training has prepared you to take on the critical role of enforcing FCT laws and regulations, focusing on combating illegal logging and preserving endangered species of fauna and flora, thereby safeguarding our environment.”

In his welcome address, the Conservator General Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni, represented by Assitant Conservator General, Abbabukar Muhammad Kabir, extended gratitude to the FCT Administration and the ACReSAL Project for supporting environmental sustainability. He stressed that as a key player in conservation, the National Parks Service has been actively engaged in initiatives that promote sustainable practices to preserve Nigeria’s rich ecosystem.

Kabir assured that the comprehensive training provided to participants, covering intelligence gathering, effective surveillance techniques and legal frameworks, will significantly enhance their capacity to police FCT forests more effectively.

Mrs. Caroline Opara, the FCT ACReSAL Project Coordinator, in her remarks voiced her concerns about the increasing rate of deforestation in the FCT, stressing the urgent need to empower the Forest Guards with necessary skills and knowledge to effectively tackle the menace.

She further explained that training aligns with ACReSAL’s focus on restoring degraded landscpe and Institutional Strengthening.

The event culminated in a mock demonstration of forest surveillance activities, showcasing the practical skills acquired by the participants followed by the issuance of graduation certificates.