Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans for the establishment of the first National Park in the South-East, with the proposed conservation area to be located in the state. ADVERTISEMENTOtti said he had directed the Commissioner for Environment, Philemon Ogbonna, to work with the National Park Service and environmental experts to identify a suitable location for the proposed park. He said the proposed National Park would provide benefits beyond environmental protection, including employment, investment, revenue generation, tourism and improved security. Otti also noted that the initiative would address the longstanding absence of a National Park in the South-East, describing the National Park Service’s proposal as an important development for the region. The governor thanked the National Park Service for the initiative and congratulated ACG Ugochukwu Michael on his elevation to the rank of Assistant Conservator-General.