Groups Move To Revive Katampe Mountain, Waterfalls, Unveil Campaign Flag

To discourage degradation of mountains, rivers and waterfalls in Nigeria, the Foundation for the Conservation of Nigerian Rivers (FCNR), Africa Program Lead, Earth Law Center USA have taken concrete steps in that direction. 

As a starting point, the groups formally flagged off the Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls Restoration and Legal Personhood Campaign in Abuja on Saturday. 

It was themed "Where Rivers Are Bom Program - Save Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls" 

Rather than the location to be a waste land, it is planned to be restored to support the community and become a tourist center earning more income for the nation, like been done in other countries. 

Speaking at the occasion, Chairman of the occasion, who is a member of FCNR Board of Trustees and a former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Prof A.O Afolabi, noted that the cause touches the very soul of Nigeria, which is preservation of natural water sources and the landscapes from which they flow. 

Represented by Mr. Bayero Kazeem, he said "Katampe Mountain and its waterfalls are more than topographical features. They are sacred birthplaces of rivers-rivers that sustain ecosystems, communities, and entire cultures. 

"These waters and their sources are not voiceless: they have simply been unheard. Today, we are gathered to say. Enough. We hear them now. We must act." he said 

The campaign, he said, boldly combines restoration with an innovative legal advocacy, which is the pursuit of legal personhood for Katampe Mountain and its surrounding ecosystems 

"This is a progressive, necessary move one that aligns with global environmental justice movements and echoes our ancestral understanding of nature as sacred and living." 

Stressing that the campaign is not orily restoring a landscape, but restoring balance, adding that it is backed by concrete commitment. 

"We are not just unveiling a campaign-we are unveiling a new way of thinking, one that recognizes that environmental protection is  no longer, optional, it is existential."

According to him, the campaign is focused on Ecological restoration of the Katampe landscape, Community engagement and education for long-term stewardship, Legislative advocacy for recognition of Katampe Mountain as a legal entity deserving of rights and protection under Nigerian law, and Designation of Katampe Mountain as National Park. 

The former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation also stressed that no one sector can do it alone, as he called for partnerships with civil society, academia, traditional rulers, and government institutions. 

"Today I stand not only as an academic or a conservationist, but as a Nigerian who believes that the rivers and mountains, we fail to protect today, will become the tragedies we explain to our children tomorrow.

"On this note, I wish to thank our partners, stakeholders, volunteers, and every one of you present here today - for your support, your voices, and your presence.

"It is now my honour, privilege, and duty to officially unveil the "Where Rivers Are Born" Program-Save Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls, Restoration and Legal Personhood Campaign." he stated 

In his welcome address, the Executive Director of FCNR, Africa Lead, Earth Law Center USA, Irikefe Dafe, noted that the gathering is a defining moment in Nigeria's journey toward environmental justice, ecological restoration, and recognition of nature's inherent rights.

While acknowledging the indigenous communities who have long lived in harmony with the Katampe landscape, he paid respects to their ancestral knowledge and stewardship. 

He also honored the rivers and the mountains that have sustained life, culture, and biodiversity for centuries, which now need urgent protection.

Mr. Dafe said "The "Where Rivers Are Born" initiative is a continent-wide effort aimed at: Restoring sacred headwaters and ecosystems, beginning here in Abuja with the Katampe Mountain and Waterfalls, one of Nigeria's under-celebrated ecological treasures

"Recognizing rivers and freshwater ecosystems as legal persons, with rights to flow, flourish, and be free from harm-aligned with Earth-centered governance frameworks.

"Reconnecting people especially the youth-with rivers as sources of life, culture, and spirituality, not just as resources to be exploited. This is not just a campaign. It is a movement," he stated 

On why starting with the Katampe Mountain, he said "Katampe mountain is where a new paradigm can begin-one that challenges us to see rivers not as property, but as living entities, deserving of dignity, voice, and guardianship.

"In partnership with the Earth Law Center, environmental lawyers, civil society. and indigenous voices, we are launching Nigeria's second formal campaign to advocate for legal rights of rivers starting with rivers bom from Katampe mountain and flowing outward through the FCT and beyond.

"This campaign aligns with global precedents from countries like Ecuador. New Zealand, India, and Uganda, etc where nature is increasingly recognized as a rights-bearing entity.

"We believe Nigena, and Africa at large, can lead in shaping a future where human development is no longer at odds with nature, but in partnership with it." he said 

On the way forward, Mr Dafe said "This journey cannot be walked alone. Today, we invite:-Government institutions to enact policies and legal frameworks that recognize the rights of nature; Private sector partners to invest in eco-restoration and responsible development

"Media to amplify this message with accuracy and urgency, Academia and researchers to help build the science and narratives for ecological justice; Faith leaders and traditional authorities to remind us of the spiritual duty to protect creation,

"And most importantly, we call on the youth and communities to become Guardians of Rivers-the true heartbeat of this movement." 

He expressed gratitude to suppoters, collaborators, volunteers, and community partners who believe in the cause. 

He added "To our international allies from the Earth Law Center and global rights of nature movement your solidarity has lit a fire that cannot be extinguished." 

Delivering a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Katampe Extension Residents Association represented by the Vice Chairman, Dr. Maho, said that the association is fully behind the cause. 

"But over time, we found out that there have been encroachment on this hill, destroying the natural environment. 

"So what we are here to actually do is to create a forum where all stakeholders can come together for the preservation of this natural beauty, for us to work together in such a way that we recognize the need for harmony between nature and human beings. 

"The Residents Association will support this move. We are fully behind it and will continue to push this agenda, working together with all stakeholders as necessary."

Also speaking at the occasion, a representative of Dr Ibrahim Goni, the Conservator General of the National Park Service, Conservator of Park, C.P George, also threw the weight of the service behind the cause. 

"The protection of the environment, the conservation of ecosystem, the conservation of biodiversity, natural landscape, is not just one person's activity. 

"It is our collective responsibility, and I'm happy, of course, this is what the National Park Service stands for. We identify with the ideals of our brother, Mr. Odafe For this lofty idea. 

"When environment is fragile and when it is destroyed or destabilized, the act of bringing it back is absolutely difficult or almost impossible, so the best you can do is to protect it. So we stand with you in what you are doing." he said 

Making solidarity / partners remarks, a representative of Hike Club, Boniface Idi, expressed gratitude to be part of the project, adding that it is what the club has been praying for. 

"I really thank the founder for this initiative. We've been craving for this. So this is a very good project. But this is just the beginning. I wish him all the best, and we are sure we are going to partner with him." he stated

The President of Rotary Club Abuja Municipality, Vivian, noted that many parks in Nigeria are no more in existence.

According to her, citizens and visitors in other countries pay money to visit such natural sites.

"There is no life without nature" she stated

She also informed the gathering that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike will be interested in the cause.