Govt to Spend N384m On Animals

This Day (Lagos)

August 3, 2005

Bauchi

Bauchi State government would spend over N384m for transportation of more than 300 species of wild animals from Namibia.

The exercise according to the government was part of its programme aimed at boosting the state's tourism potential.

Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Zailani who disclosed this to newsmen at the end of the state executive council, said most of the animals were donated by former Namibian President , Mr. Sam Nujoma, during his visit to Bauchi in 2003.

He said transportation of the animals scheduled to commence in September, would involve chartering a 747 aircraft, provision of roads and fences in the forest as well as recruitment of veterinary staff and rangers to protect the animals.

Zailani said Sumu forest, situated in Ganjuwa Local Government Area was chosen because experts had identified its terrain, vegetation and climate as suitable, adding that the animals were mostly herbivores like giraffes, impalas and zebras.

The commissioner noted that the Sumu forest would be transformed into a public park along side the existing Yankari National Park.

According to him, there was no plan to transfer the animals to Yankari even if the state succeeded in its bid to take the park over from the Federal Government.

Zailani said another decision taken by the council included an N88m contract for installation of 300 units of solar-powered traffic light in Bauchi town.

He said the council also awarded a N74m contract for general renovation of the official residence of the governor.

Zailani said the council approved the purchase of a structure along Gombe road at the cost of N112 million to serve as office accommodation for the newly created Ministry of Higher Education and some departments in the State.

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