The leadership of the Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to women empowerment, especially those domiciling in Gashaka Gumti National Park in Adamawa and Taraba states.
The foundation made the pledge while commissioning a new centre at the national park, located in Toungo Local Council of Adamawa State. Speaking where 450 women received support, the Foundation’s Deputy Project Manager, David Peter, emphasised the strategic importance of investing in women.
“This programme was designed to empower women, promote community resilience, and provide alternative livelihoods to support the conservation of the park,” Peter stated during the event.
Representing the Conservator-General of the National Park Service (NPS), Dr. Ibrahim Goni, an Assistant Conservator-General Dr. Mohammed Kabir lauded ANI’s initiative, noting that it reflects a shared vision for economic transformation.
Kabir pointed to previous successes, such as an October 2023 project where over 1,000 women in Taraba State’s Gashaka Local Government Area received tools, training, and business equipment including agro-processing machines, sewing machines, and hairdressing kits.
He further highlighted broader achievements of the ANI-NPS partnership, including the vaccination of over 100,000 cattle and the recruitment and training of more than 70 local youths as park rangers efforts that simultaneously bolster conservation and strengthen community engagement.
Adamawa State Commissioner for Women’s Affairs, Mrs. Nedo Kafulto, praised ANI Foundation’s commitment to uplifting women, describing the Women’s Centre as a “transformative step” for both the local community and the wider state.
Conservator of Gashaka Gumti National Park, Amos D. Hamman, explained that ANI’s partnership with the park, which began in 2017, has focused on creating sustainable livelihoods around protected areas, ultimately fostering stronger appreciation and protection of natural resources.
Senior Strategic Adviser at ANI Foundation, Dr. George Okeyoyin, stressed the crucial role women play in conservation efforts. “Effective conservation must respect and incorporate the contributions of women,” he said.
Also on her part, Happy Amos, Managing Director and CEO of ROSHAN Renewable Energy, ANI’s implementing partner, revealed that the women’s savings and loan groups in Toungo have collectively saved over N30 million within a year.
Rather than providing direct cash handouts, the initiative, according to her, offers low-interest loans tailored to participants’ needs, promoting sustainable economic empowerment.
One of the recipients,Grace Emmanuel, told The Guardian, that the support had enabled her to start a thriving business and support her family.
