The Ogun State Ministry of Forestry, last week signed a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) with the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), to finalise plans on establishing a zoological and botanical garden in the state.
While signing the MOC at the university in Ijagun, the state’s Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, said that the ministry and the university decided to collaborate on the project, as it will yield various socio-economic benefits for the state, especially in the area of boosting its’ Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, also noted that the strategic location of the project would attract travellers from all walks of life and increase the university’s IGR and project the university farther, when completed.
According to the university’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr Bakenne Nureni, the discussion on the establishment of a zoological and botanical garden at the university has been on for some time now.
“Now that a Memorandum of Collaboration (MOC) has been signed, I am sure that the project will spring up any moment from now. The university has provided some hectares of land for the project. And the commissioner alongside the members of staff that were here with him went round the site to see what needs to be done.
“The state is ready and we believe strongly in the ability of the state government, the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, as the government has given us the backing to kick start the project,” he said.
Chief Lawal also commended the state governor for approving the commencement of the project, adding that the ministry would ensure its success, as it would be an avenue for provision of employment opportunities particularly for the youths, besides serving as a recreational centre for tourists.