The Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar, made this known in Abuja on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Zimbabwean wildlife experts on a week-long assessment tour of the PWLS, formerly known as the State House Zoo.
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the remodelling and upgrading of the Presidential Wildlife Sanctuary (PWLS) as part of efforts to enhance the practice of conservation in the country.
The Permanent Secretary, State House, Tijjani Umar, made this known in Abuja on Thursday while receiving a delegation of Zimbabwean wildlife experts on a week-long assessment tour of the PWLS, formerly known as the State House Zoo.
A statement issued by Patience Tilley-Gyado, Assistant Director, Information on Thursday said Umar stressed the importance of safeguarding the wildlife in the seat of government, not only for recreational purposes but also for rehabilitation, research, and knowledge sharing.
Umar said considering the success of Zimbabwe in wildlife conservation, the interaction with the experts from the southern African country fits into the ‘‘perfect picture’’ of partnering with a sister African country knowledgeable in international best practices on the subject matter.
Noting that the State House is endowed with indigenous wildlife, Umar said it is only proper to bring in experts to advise on the best way to encourage harmony with nature and decrease interference with wildlife habitat.
He said, “We want a situation where animals able to, can roam freely and those not able to do that for obvious reasons, would have enclosures that are internationally acceptable which allow them to as much as possible, live a free and unencumbered life, raising their young and generally enjoying safety and security of existence.
“They could also have the opportunities to express themselves, exhibit their social behaviour to the fullest and have their young ones in a very safe and secure environment.”
Recalling Nigeria's role as a frontline state in Africa's decolonisation and Zimbabwe's independence struggle, the Permanent Secretary stated that both countries have a cordial relationship based on long years of cooperation on mutual interests.
Joshua Apagu, Director of Maintenance at the State House, also recalled that the idea for the remodelling of the facility began in 2017, with study tours to some African facilities in 2019.
According to him, that led to extensive conversations with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZIMAPARKS) and some private organisations, including Wild is Life Trust, which rescues, rehabilitates, and rewilds African animals.
He acknowledged that while the COVID-19 outbreak slowed down the remodelling process, discussions about developing a comprehensive plan for modernising the facility resumed after the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the Head of Chancery, Zimbabwe Embassy in Nigeria, Tonderai Mutuke, recognised Nigeria’s potential in the wildlife sector and encouraged the strengthening of bilateral cooperation in this area.
Columbas Chaitezvi, a veterinary doctor with ZIMPARKS, promised that after assessing the facility, his team would submit a comprehensive report and appropriate recommendations, expressing delight in partnering with Nigeria in an area where his country has a comparative advantage.
Other members of the Zimbabwean delegation are Roxyanne Danckwerts, Chief Executive Officer, Wild is Life Trust, Craig Danckwerts, Director, Wild is Life Trust, Yvonne Janders, Managing Director, Route Through Africa and Amanda Gamuchira Vambe of ZIMPARKS.