Ogun partners Woodland Cabin in ecotourism project devt

In pursuit of more job creation, improved revenue generation and protection of ecosystem, Ogun State government has entered into partnership with Messrs Woodland Cabin Resort to promote ecotourism development in the state.

To be known as “Ecotourism Resort,” the initiative is to be sited in Ogun Forest Reserve, sited at Ijebu-West of the state, ostensibly towards boosting forestry resources and creating an alternative means of livelihood for the people of the state.

Unveiling the development last week at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, the state capital, Commissioner for Forestry, Chief Kolawole Lawal, said the resort centre would be actualised in conjunction with a private firm, Woodland Cabin Resort.

According to Lawal, the tourism resort which would be located in Omo Forest Reserve, Area J4 in Ijebu-East Local Government Area (LGA), when completed, is aiming at becoming another means of employment opportunities, providing business activities for the people and preventing the propensity for indiscriminate tree felling that has become a rather disturbing development and also, curb illegal exploitation of forest resources by undesirable elements within and outside the reserve’s territory.

“Apart from rejuvenation of the depleted forest reserves, the project would also boost the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) as well provide job opportunities for the teeming youths of the state.

“The resort which would be a collaboration between the state government and the investor will no doubt help develop our forest reserve, provide jobs for our people and increase government revenue generation base but we must adhere to Ogun standard which is the world best practices,” he said.

He also hinted that the state government would make the required land available while the investor would provide other resources needed for the actualisation of the project.

A representative of Woodland Cabin Resort, Mr Abiola Adesanya noted that natural endowment, serene environment and adequate security put in place by the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration informed their decision to site the project in the state.

“We observed that the state has all what it takes in terms of potentials and availability of resources to situate the resort centre here. It’s our firm believe that establishing the resort in Ogun State is a wise decision and there is no regret doing that,” Adesanya said, urging support of all would-be stakeholders to ensure the success of the project.

He highlighted investor’s attractions to the project to include what he cited as availability of natural resources such as green vegetation, birds, animals and over 200 species of trees that the state was endowed with.

“All these made it possible for the establishment of the eco-tourism resort in the state,” he said.