By Samuel Adeola
Former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof. Oladapo Abiodun Afolabi, has urged the Federal Government to declare Katampe Hill and Waterfalls in Abuja a National Park to protect Nigeria’s environmental heritage and promote eco-tourism.
Afolabi made the call over the weekend in Abuja during the unveiling of the “Where Rivers Are Born – Save Katampe Hill and Waterfalls, Restoration and Legal Personhood Campaign,” organised by the Foundation for the Conservation of Nigerian Rivers (FCNR) in collaboration with the Earth Law Centre (USA–Africa Program) and other partners.
Describing Katampe Hill as “the heart of Nigeria and the birthplace of rivers,” Afolabi said the campaign aimed to redefine the nation’s relationship with nature. Represented by Bayero Kasim, a former director in the Ministry of Environment, he stressed that declaring the site a National Park would safeguard its fragile ecosystem, foster research, and promote sustainable tourism.
In his remarks, Irikefe V. Dafe, Executive Director of FCNR and Africa Lead for Earth Law Centre, said the initiative marks a new phase in Nigeria’s environmental advocacy, seeking to restore sacred headwaters and grant legal recognition to rivers as living entities. He added that the campaign aligns Nigeria with countries like Ecuador, New Zealand, India, and Uganda that have adopted similar ecological rights models.
Also speaking, Dr. Austin Maho, Vice Chairman of the Katampe Residents Association, pledged the community’s full support for the project, describing it as a timely step to prevent further encroachment and degradation of the area.
