By Ayo Akinfe
With gubernatorial elections looming across Nigeria, I am looking out for candidates who will pledge to boost tourism by creating dedicated animal colonies. This is one innovative way to generate foreign exchange and create jobs, while also giving each state a unique identity. Imagine a Nigeria where visitors can travel from state to state to see different species in their natural sanctuaries:
Eagles – Kwara
Leopards – Osun
Giraffes – Katsina
Gorillas – Cross River
Hippopotamus – Rivers
Lions – Taraba
Hyenas – Adamawa
Zebras – Borno
Elephants – Yobe
Camels – Sokoto
It is easier to provide security within a ringfenced enclave in one state. If two mechanised divisions of the Nigerian Army are stationed in a state, I fail to see how bandits, kidnappers, or terrorists could operate there — especially if one division is dedicated to protecting the sanctuary itself.Nigeria must start thinking beyond crude oil. By 2027, we need innovative ways to generate foreign exchange.
Governors should float local animal sanctuary companies, with their states holding a 30% stake. Ringfence the facilities, provide power, water, transport links, broadband, and security, and watch them blossom. Each sanctuary could create 2,000 jobs, taking thousands of youths off the streets.The problem is that Nigerians remain too fixated on the federal government, forgetting that in a federation, states carry the bulk of responsibility. It is time for the electorate to hold governorship candidates accountable. Grill them about their plans for tourism, jobs, and state development. The centre exists because of the federating units, not the other way around.
I would love to see one party pledge in its manifesto that by 2030, every state it governs will be self-sufficient and self-reliant. Animal colonies could be the cornerstone of such a vision, transforming Nigeria into a tourism powerhouse while tackling unemployment and insecurity.📧 ayoakinfe@gmail.com
🌐 www.ayoakinfe.com
