Benue State Government through the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism has officially handed over the famous Makurdi Zoological garden to Benue State University for it’s maximum utilization.
According to a statement, the epoch-making event which took place on Tuesday, 6th December, 2022 at the Senate Chamber of the University was supervised by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon Michael Inalegwu.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon Inalegwu said, he was delighted to be part of the process that led to the handing over of the Zoo to Benue State University for its proper management and utilization in order to achieve the purpose of it’s creation.
In his words, “I must commend the Executive Governor of Benue, His Excellency Dr. Samuel Ortom for puting Benue State University first.
” What we are doing today will pave way for the management of the university to re-modernize the Zoo to international Standard as Tourist center, increase recreational activities and research works which were the reasons for establishment of the zoological garden in 1979.
” I therefore urge the Vice Chancellor Benue State University, Prof. Tor Iorapuu,the DVC of the university, Professor Mike Odey and the university management to make the zoo a center of attraction for all to emulate”, Inalegwu said.
The Vice Chancellor Benue State University, Professor Tor Iorapuu in his speech acknowledged the love the Executive Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom has for the university, thanking him and other initiators of the idea, leading to the approval and finally the transfer of Zoological garden to the State University.
He assured the Commissioner and his team of their readiness to make zoological garden the first of it’s kind in the country.
In a closing remark, the Deputy Vice chancellor, Professor Mike Odey appreciated the efforts of the Honourable Commissioner, Permanent Secretary, Mr Godwin Tighil and their team from the Information Ministry, stating that it is what the university has been yearning for.
A brief closing prayer was given by the Director of Tourism Dr Mrs Dooter Ajoko to be bring the historical event to a successful end.
