Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Center Visits Lekki Conservation Center.

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) recently welcomed the team from the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Center (NAHFC) to its flagship project site, the Lekki Conservation Center (LCC), to strengthen partnerships on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. It was a day filled with learning, exploration, and a renewed commitment to environmental conservation.

The delegation was led by Major Gen O.C Ajunwa, the Director General of the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre (NAHFC). He was accompanied by Major Gen John Sokoya, Brig Gen Ebulue, Maj J.U Echobu.

Briefing on NCF’s Vision and Initiatives

During the visit, the Director General of NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja, provided an insightful briefing on the organization’s mission and flagship initiatives. He highlighted the Lekki Conservation Center as a vital hub for ecotourism and biodiversity protection in Lagos. With its rich biodiversity and vibrant ecosystem, the LCC stands as a beacon of hope amidst the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and environmental degradation.

The Director General took the team through a timeline of the site’s transformation over the past two decades. He emphasized the challenges posed by development and urban encroachment, making the LCC the only viable natural reserve in the Lekki environment.

Purpose of the Lekki Conservation Center

The Director General shed light on the critical purposes of the LCC, including:

Resilience Building: Equipping ecosystems and communities to adapt to environmental changes.

Forest Regeneration: Rehabilitating degraded lands to restore biodiversity.

Environmental Education: Promoting awareness and understanding of the importance of conservation.

Ecotourism: Offering a serene escape into nature while supporting sustainability.

Sustainability: Integrating environmental conservation with social and economic development.

Research at the LCC

Over the years, the Lekki Conservation Center has been a hub for groundbreaking research. Studies conducted at the site include:

Hydrological research

Taxonomic studies

Avian and mammalian research

Vegetation studies

These studies contribute to understanding the ecosystem services provided by the LCC, such as carbon valuation, biodiversity conservation, and more.

Conservation in the Face of Urbanization and Coastal Threats

The Director General also highlighted the growing threats of urbanization and coastal erosion to the Lekki Conservation Center and its surroundings. He outlined NCF’s collaborative efforts with the Lagos State Government to develop a coastal highway to combat these threats and ensure the sustainability of the region.

The discussion also covered the ecosystem services offered by the LCC, emphasizing its role in carbon sequestration and environmental balance. The visiting team was encouraged to incorporate conservation into their initiatives. Key recommendations included:

Promoting crop planting initiatives to support reforestation.

Preserving rivers and other water bodies.

Planting native tree species to restore degraded environments.

A Tour of the Lekki Conservation Center

Following the presentations, the team embarked on a guided tour of the Lekki Conservation Center, experiencing its unique attractions firsthand. Highlights of the tour included:

The Boardwalk and Canopy Walk: A thrilling adventure showcasing the lush greenery and wildlife of the conservation center.

The Family Park: A serene space for relaxation, where the team engaged in a friendly chess match with young students from Emerald School.

The visit provided the NAHFC team with an up-close understanding of the importance of conservation and the significant role the Lekki Conservation Center plays in protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage.

LCC: From Conservation to Social Enterprise

As part of NCF’s vision, the Lekki Conservation Center has evolved beyond conservation and ecotourism to become a thriving social enterprise. Through this transition, the LCC continues to create opportunities for education, research, and sustainable development, while fostering partnerships that drive impactful environmental action.

The visit by the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Center to the Lekki Conservation Center underscores the importance of collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. By fostering partnerships, promoting education, and inspiring action, the NCF remains committed to conserving Nigeria’s natural resources for future generations.

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