The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has trained and empowered 240 persons on alternative means of livelihoods in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo.
The activities took place when NCF held a programme tagged “Alternative Livelihoods Enhancement Training’’ on Friday at Udo, in Edo.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Dr Muhtari Aminu-Kano, Director-General, NCF, said that the programme was designed to seek better relationship with the foundation, the host communities and Okomu National park.
Aminu-Kano, who was represented by Mr Adedayo Memudu, Biodiversity and Protected Area Management (BIOPAMA) Programme Manager of NCF, said that the training would also enhance the beneficiary’s capacity.
He said that it would “improve and boost livelihoods and secure long term support for the management of Okomu National park so that the biological resources for which the park is known for will continuously be protected.’’
In the same vein, Dr Ibrahim Goni, Conservator-General, National Park Service, commended the training and empowerment of beneficiaries by NCF.
He said that the gesture would have both immediate and long term value on the beneficiaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the beneficiaries were drawn from 12 communities in the locality.
The communities include Udo, Iguafole, Inikorogha, Ofunama, Ajakurama, Iguowan, Igninoba, Ugolo, Asamara, Okomu-Ijaw, Ugbo 1 & AT&P.
NAN also reports that the beneficiaries, who were trained on poultry management, Non-Timber Forest Alternative (NTFA) as well as fish farming, were also given starter packs of chicks, fingerlings and tools. (NAN)
