The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has announced that the State Government would Constitute a team comprising Climate Change and Environmental experts, to be led by the Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna, for the successful establishment of a National Park.
Speaking during the visit of a delegation from the National Park Service led by the Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, on Tuesday, Otti directed the Commissioner for Environment to work with the National Park Service and relevant experts to identify a suitable location for the Park.
According to a press release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha dated August 11, 2026, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and protect the State’s natural heritage.
He disclosed that Abia has 19 Forest Reserves, 18 of which are currently available for consideration for the National Park.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Park Service, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, commended the achievements of Governor Otti in the last three years.
He said the visit was to remind the Governor of his earlier commitment to the establishment of a National Park in Abia State, noting that the absence of a National Park in the entire South-East has left the zone behind.
“The South-East has zero in having a national park. This is a glaring omission that must be corrected, and Abia State, under your leadership, is best positioned to pioneer this change,” Dr. Ononogbu stated.
He added that establishing a park in Abia would create greater inclusion and career opportunities for the sons and daughters of the zone.
