The Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation has commissioned a Women Development Centre in Tonga (Bodel), Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State, to improve women’s economic opportunities and community livelihoods.
The centre, established through a partnership between the National Park Service and ANI Foundation with support from the European Union (EU), is expected to serve women from Serti, Bodel, Goje and Mayo Selbe communities.
Executive Director of ANI Foundation, Tunde Morakinyo, said the facility would provide women with skills training, business opportunities and a platform to strengthen their economic independence.
Morakinyo explained that the foundation has also supported communities around the Gashaka Gumti National Park through initiatives such as beekeeping, cattle vaccination, education support and other livelihood programmes.
The Conservator of Park at Gashaka Gumti National Park, George Karngong, described the centre as another milestone in the partnership between the National Park Service and ANI Foundation.
Karngong said the facility would help women participate in vocational training, agricultural processing, cooperative activities and entrepreneurship while supporting existing women savings groups in surrounding communities.
He noted that empowering women with alternative sources of income would reduce dependence on the park’s natural resources and encourage greater community participation in conservation efforts.
The Leader of the European Union Delegation, Iusan Liviu, praised the initiative, saying the project would promote sustainable development and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
Taraba State Commissioner for Women and Child Development, Mary Sinjen, urged beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the centre and ensure proper maintenance for future generations.
The newly commissioned facility, which is the second Women Development Centre established by ANI Foundation after a similar project in Toungo, Adamawa State, is expected to deepen women’s empowerment and support conservation efforts around Gashaka Gumti National Park.
