Ogun State has been named among three Nigerian states selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to benefit from a $1 million biodiversity project aimed at protecting the environment and reducing poverty through sustainable livelihoods.
The Head of UNESCO’s Nigeria office, Jean-Paul Abiaga, made this known during a visit to the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, on Tuesday in Abeokuta.
Abiaga explained that the project seeks to empower at least 600 beneficiaries across the state through education, forestry, and agriculture-based initiatives. It will be implemented within the Omo Biosphere Reserve, which spans Ijebu North and Ijebu East Local Government Areas. Other states benefiting from the programme include Cross River, with the Oban Biosphere Reserve, and Plateau, with the Shere Hills Reserve.
He described the initiative as a model that connects biodiversity conservation with community empowerment. “The biodiversity business is a means to poverty reduction, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development,” Abiaga said.
According to him, 200 beneficiaries have already been identified, while the remaining participants will be selected by community stakeholders across 10 host communities. The project will focus on reviving local businesses and supporting youth through technical, financial, and educational training in sectors such as piggery and fish farming.
The Ogun State Government welcomed the partnership, describing it as a vital boost to its ongoing efforts to protect the Omo Forest Reserve and promote sustainable resource management.
In his remarks, Talabi commended UNESCO for selecting Ogun as a beneficiary and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the project’s success. He highlighted that the initiative aligns with the government’s anti-deforestation campaign and its broader goal of reducing illegal human activities in protected areas.
Talabi noted that the Omo Forest Reserve, which covers about 130,500 hectares, is one of Nigeria’s most important ecological zones, home to more than 200 tree species, 125 bird species, and several endangered animals, including the forest elephant, white-throated guenon monkey, and chimpanzee.
He assured that the state government would provide full institutional backing to ensure the project’s smooth implementation. Relevant agencies, such as the Ministries of Forestry, Agriculture, Education, and Science and Technology, would be mobilised to coordinate efforts and maximise impact.
Analysts say the project presents an opportunity for rural entrepreneurs and small-scale agribusiness owners to tap into green initiatives that balance environmental protection with income generation, potentially transforming communities into hubs for eco-friendly enterprise.
