Nigeria has celebrated its first International Geodiversity Day 6th October at the Zuma Rock Resort, Niger State, under the global theme “One Earth, Many Stories” and the local theme “Rocks of Identity: International Geodiversity Day at the Zuma Rock.”
Organized by the UNESCO International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP) Nigeria National Committee, under the patronage of the Niger State Government, the event brought together representatives from the Federal Government, academia, and key national institutions.
The Governor of Niger State, Farmer Umaru Bago, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Land, Dr. Abdullahi Hussain, who reaffirmed the state’s readiness to advance geoheritage and geotourism development.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA) and Secretary of the UNESCO IGGP Nigeria National Committee, Prof. Olusegun Ige, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s vast geological diversity as a foundation for sustainable development, education, and tourism.
The Chairman of the Committee, Dr. Aminu Abdullahi Isyaku, expressed deep appreciation to the Zuma Rock Resort for hosting the maiden celebration and thanked both the Federal Government and the Government of Niger State for their unwavering support. He noted that this appreciation was hinged on the commitment expressed by the Presidency during the Committee’s recent visit to the State House, where the Vice President encouraged subnational governments to lead geoheritage projects with federal backing. He stressed that the Zuma Rock area offers an ideal model for linking science, culture, and community identity.
Dr. Isyaku also announced that the Committee would soon commence geoheritage mapping and assessment across Niger State—beginning with the Zuma Rock area—as the first step toward a National Geopark designation for Nigeria.
Other participants included members of the UNESCO IGGP Nigeria National Committee, with representation from the National Park Service, the Ecological Fund Office, and the Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG), all reaffirming their institutional commitment to advancing Nigeria’s emerging geoheritage and geotourism agenda.
