U.S. ambassador tours Obudu, drill ranch, pledges support for conservation efforts

United States Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington, has rounded off his two-day tour of the Obudu Mountains and the Drill Ranch on the Afi Mountains of Cross River State.

Ambassador Symington sought to learn more about Nigeria’s unique natural resources. On Monday, following the completion of the tour, Ambassador Symington spoke to an audience of senior government officials and leaders of non-government organizations involved in environmental issues, including Pandrillus, Ekuri Initiative, Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigerian Conservation Foundation and the Obudu Conservation Centre, at an event held in Calabar, to commemorate the 2017 Earth Day.

Symington said: “Today is a day to honour all those Nigerians and groups, working to secure the natural wonders of Nigeria’s heritage. Since I arrived in Nigeria, I have come to appreciate Nigeria’s abundant and unique flora, fauna and landscape deeply.

The challenge of managing the natural beauty and diversity of Nigeria is not the test of one generation of Nigerians, but of all generations‎. We are working with Nigerians to support their efforts. ”

The tour, which held on April 22 and 23 aimed to enhance U.S./Nigeria partnership in promoting conservation efforts, tourism and economic development, as well as raising awareness about environmental issues facing the global community.