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Molly Kilete
Sambisa is to become a tourist centre, according to the Chief Of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai.
Buratai, who made this known, at the opening of a seminar on regimentation and combating security challenges associated with forests and protected areas in Nigeria, in Abuja, yesterday, said the forest has historical facts for tourism that will attract scholars within and outside the country.
He said: “I have directed that Sambisa should be turned into an Ecosystem Resort Centre, where war relics of the past few years, in the North East, would be maintained as historical sites for tourism; that will attract scholars and tourists as well as a revenue-generating venture for the country.”
Represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Ali Nani, the COAS also directed that mini-zoos and parks be established in all army barracks across the country.
The army chief, who described the seminar which has as theme: “Enhancing Synergy between the Nigerian Army and National Park Service: National Security in Perspective,” as timely, said it came at a time when the nation is poised, more than ever before, to attain a change for the future.
He also said that the time has come for the country to look into areas of economic diversity.
On establishment of zoos and mini-parks in all army barracks across the country, Buratai said: “As you all know, the army, as part of its customs, ethics and tradition, adopts mascots as part of its regimentation.
“Mascots are objects, animals or persons that are chosen as a symbol of a regiment and are assumed to bring good luck.
“The word ‘Mascot’ originatedfrom the French term ‘Mascotte,’ which means lucky charm.
“The affinity between soldiers and animals are assumed to bring good luck. It is generally believed that the spirit lodged in the mascots propels a fighting force to victory.
“This belief creates high level of morale and psychological spirit of courage in troops.
While lamenting the high rate of illegal poaching of animals in forests and parks across the country, Buratai said “the situation has resulted in criminals and terrorists dominating these forests which is now a threat to national security.”
In his address on the occasion, the Chief of Standards and Evaluation (CASE), Major General Adekunle Shodunke, said the seminar was not just aimed at reflecting on current realities as it concerned the ongoing counter-insurgency operations across the country but, to also, tackle the various security challenges bedeviling the country.
