The Cross River State House of Assembly has passed a resolution to ban illegal logging around the state’s Heritage Monolith sites, aiming to preserve these cultural landmarks and boost tourism.
The Monolith Heritage sites are located across the Bakor Communities in Ikom and Ogoja Local Government Areas, including Nkarasi, Nnam, Alock, Nde, Nta, and Abayom in Ikom LGA, and Emmandack 2 and Nfom in Ogoja LGA. Lawmakers have urged the State Tourism Bureau to take over the management of these sites to ensure sustainable and profitable preservation.
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Thomas Aruku, representing Ogoja State Constituency. Aruku highlighted the threat posed by illegal wood loggers, warning that some artifacts have been defaced, depreciated, or stolen over time.
“It has been observed that illegal logging activities around the reserved forests of these Monolith sites are eroding the rich culture and tradition of the Bakor Communities,” Aruku said.
Hon. Samuel Neji Abang, representing Ikom 1 State Constituency, supported the motion, emphasizing the urgent need to protect the Monoliths, which could significantly contribute to the state’s economy through tourism.
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Other lawmakers called on the government to strengthen enforcement against illegal logging in the state’s reserved forests and to harness the Monoliths’ potential as major tourist attractions.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem stressed that effective management of tourist sites, as seen in countries like Kenya, could drive economic growth. He underscored the importance of preserving the Monoliths for future generations.
The Cross River State Assembly’s action reflects a growing commitment to cultural preservation, environmental protection, and tourism development in the region.
