By Ado Salisu
The Conservator-General of the National Park Service (NPS), Dr Ibrahim Musa Goni, has received an award from Ringo Sport Club Nigeria in recognition of his support for integrating sports and tourism to promote biodiversity conservation and Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
The award was presented at the National Park Service headquarters in Abuja during a courtesy visit by officials of Ringo Sport Club and members of the organising committee of the Nigerian Para-Military Ringo Sport Tournament (NIPAMRIST).
Presenting the award, the National President of Ringo Sport Club and Chairman of the tournament’s organising committee, Malam Ahmed Mohammed Sule, commended Goni for his leadership and recognition of sports tourism as a potential driver of economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Sule said sports tourism could create opportunities for recreation, economic development and environmental awareness while supporting efforts to conserve Nigeria’s natural heritage.
In its citation, the club noted that under Goni’s leadership, the National Park Service had demonstrated openness to innovative partnerships that use sports to promote conservation awareness.
It added that integrating sports with tourism could encourage environmentally responsible sporting activities, showcase Nigeria’s biodiversity to international audiences and create economic opportunities for local communities.
Sule described the award as recognition of Goni’s willingness to explore innovative approaches to conservation and tourism.
“Dr Goni has demonstrated that our national parks are not just preservation zones, but potential hubs for sports tourism. By integrating sports with tourism, we can create a sustainable model that protects our environment while boosting our economy.
“This award is to say thank you for your support and to encourage further collaboration,” he said.
Responding, Goni expressed appreciation to Ringo Sport Club Nigeria for the honour and reaffirmed the National Park Service’s commitment to conserving the country’s natural heritage.
He described sports tourism as an important tool for promoting environmental conservation, showcasing Nigeria’s natural landscapes, encouraging physical fitness and creating employment opportunities.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. The intersection of sports and tourism holds immense potential for Nigeria. It allows us to showcase our beautiful landscapes, promote physical fitness and create jobs, all while teaching the importance of environmental conservation,” Goni said.
He added that the award also recognised the efforts of personnel of the National Park Service who work to protect the country’s biodiversity for future generations.
The event ended with a call for stronger public-private partnerships to develop infrastructure that supports ecotourism and sporting activities in Nigeria’s national parks.
Participants emphasised the need to ensure that the economic and social benefits of sports tourism are achieved without compromising environmental protection and the integrity of natural ecosystems.
Ringo Sport Club Nigeria promotes sports participation and healthy living and advocates the integration of sports into sectors such as tourism and environmental conservation.
The National Park Service is the federal agency responsible for managing and conserving Nigeria’s national parks, with a mandate that includes biodiversity protection, ecotourism development and environmental education.