BY SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
The Managing Director of Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park, Sir Andy Ehanire, has urged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to champion tourism promotion and peacebuilding across Nigeria.
Speaking during a visit by an NYSC Community Development Service (CDS) group to the zoo, Ehanire described corps members as mobile ambassadors of peace, culture and national integration.
Represented by Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria, he said corps members play a critical role in strengthening national unity.
According to him, serving outside their states of origin exposes corps members to diverse cultures, traditions and languages, helping to foster understanding among Nigerians.
He noted that positive storytelling and social media engagement by corps members can help showcase Nigeria’s rich tourism potential and attract visitors.
“Tourism thrives where there is peace, and peace thrives where there is understanding,” he said.
Ehanire encouraged corps members to document tourism attractions, cultural festivals and unique local experiences, describing every social media post as free publicity for Nigeria.
He reminded them that the NYSC scheme was established to promote unity and national integration after the civil war, a mandate he said remains relevant today.
The Ogba Zoo boss also urged CDS groups to undertake environmental and tourism-related projects, including tree planting, wildlife awareness campaigns and anti-poaching advocacy.
He said conservation efforts support livelihoods, create jobs and reduce conflicts over natural resources in host communities.
Ehanire pledged the zoo’s support for conservation education projects and collaborations with corps members throughout their service year.
He called on NYSC coordinators, employers and corps members to build stronger partnerships with tourism sites, museums and cultural centres nationwide.
“NYSC should be seen not only as a national assignment but as an opportunity to discover, appreciate and promote Nigeria,” he said.
President of the visiting CDS group, Rasak Seyi Sunday, thanked the management of the zoo for the educational tour and exposure to ecotourism and wildlife conservation.
He said the visit deepened the corps members’ appreciation of the cultural heritage, traditions and history of the Benin Kingdom.
Earlier, the Administrative Manager of the zoological garden, Mrs. Eseneh Jennifer, conducted the corps members round the facility and highlighted its conservation activities.
Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park serves as a major ecotourism destination, conservation centre and educational hub, housing diverse wildlife species and over 100 plant species.