Stuart Symington, United States, U.S., Ambassador to Nigeria, recently toured the rich tropical rain forests of the Obudu Mountains and the Drill Ranch on the Afi Mountains of Cross River State. An impressed Symington vowed to support the country’s environmental conservation efforts after the tour.
According to a statement from the public affairs unit of the U.S. consulate general, Symington embarked on the tour because he sought to learn more about Nigeria’s unique natural resources.
On completion of the tour, Symington spoke to an audience of senior government officials and environmental leaders from non-government organizations, NGOs, including Pandrillus, Ekuri Initiative, Wildlife Conservation Society, Nigerian Conservation Foundation, and the Obudu Conservation Center, at an event held in Calabar, to commemorate the 2017 Earth Day.
“Today is a day to honor all those Nigerians, and every group, working to secure the natural wonders of Nigeria’s heritage. Since I arrived in Nigeria I have come to appreciate deeply Nigeria’s abundant and unique flora, fauna, and landscape.  The challenge of managing the natural beauty and diversity of Nigeria is not the test of one generation of Nigerians, but the test of all generations‎. We are working with Nigerians to support their efforts,” said Symington.
The statement said Symington’s trip to Cross River State was aimed at further enhancing U.S.-Nigeria partnership in working to promote conservation efforts, tourism, and economic development, while also raising awareness about environmental issues facing the global community.