Participants at the UNESCO Biodiversity Businesses Training for 10 communities within the Omo Biosphere Reserve in Ogun have lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and economically empowering.

The participants gave their commendation in separate interviews on Friday in Omo, Ogun.

The week-long programme focused on training 300 families from the 10 communities on fishery and piggery businesses.

The training was part of the Nigeria UNESCO project on Biodiversity Businesses in Omo Biosphere Reserve, Oban Biosphere Reserve, and Shere Hills Forest Reserve, aimed at promoting conservation-friendly and sustainable livelihoods.

The India-UN Partnership Fund supported UNESCO in implementing the programme with $1 million across the three sites.

Adegboye Ebenezer, one of the participants, said the programme aligned with his passion for animal husbandry, noting that the lessons on livestock and related enterprises would help him build a sustainable income.

“I urge other participants to pay attention and put into practice what we learn,” he said.

Another participant, Ayokunnu Adeyemo, described the intervention as a welcome development that would equip residents with knowledge essential for improving their livelihoods while reducing pressure on the forest.

“With training in fishery and piggery, people will see ways to earn income without depending on the forest,” he said.

A traditional ruler within the reserve, Obelu Busiriyo, said the community had been committed to protecting the core of the forest.

He urged residents to take advantage of the training to promote community progress.

“We monitor our forest to ensure people don’t access restricted areas.“I call on our people to take this training seriously and make good use of the resources invested there. We appreciate UNESCO for this intervention,” he said.

Ibukun Ilemobayo, head teacher at the Ogun State Plantation Project Primary School and a participant, also commended the programme, noting its relevance to both conservation and economic empowerment.

He said that having such a business venture within the school premises would provide them with resources to run the school, which had received poor funding for its activities.

Another participant, Adegbola Christiana, said the entrepreneurship and bookkeeping sessions had equipped her with the skills necessary to start her own business.

“I will utilise what I have learnt to establish my personal business, and I thank UNESCO for bringing this training to our community,” she said.

The project is being implemented in partnership with the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, the National Park Service, and the Nigerian Committee of Man and Biosphere Reserve.

(NAN)