The 2023 World Wildlife Day commemoration was held on Friday, March 3, at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin City with stakeholders across the Wildlife, Forestry, and Conservation Biology sectors who converged to mark the tenth anniversary of this UN celebration, with the theme, ‘Partnership for Conservation’ calling for deepening of the relationship between the different partners in the Wildlife sector.
The 2023 World Wildlife Day (WWD) commemoration is of huge significance because it coincides with the 50th Anniversary of the signing of Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) on 3rd March 1973.
The Permanent Secretary in the Edo State Ministry of Environment, Mr. U. Edionwe, who represented the State Commissioner in the Ministry as Special Guest, enunciated the efforts of the present administration of Governor Godwin Obaseki to revamp Forestry and Wildlife management in the State, especially in the area of regeneration of the much-depleted forest reserves. He was optimistic that with sustained efforts, the desire of the government to safeguard the forests and the valued species would be achieved.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Tourism who represented the Commissioner of the Ministry, Barrister Iryn Omorogiuwa, in her goodwill message, underscored the importance of heritage conservation as the key resource for tourism development.
Earlier, the chairman on the occasion and Head of the Department of Forestry Resources and Wildlife Management at the University of Benin, Prof (Mrs) E. G. Oboho, enjoined stakeholders to remain committed to enduring partnerships that drive progress.
The keynote speaker and Professor of Wildlife Management, also of the University of Benin, Gideon Emelue, called for a new paradigm to change the adverse narrative in the conservation of our endangered wildlife species and habitats. He lamented the uncontrolled harvesting and open display of wildlife species, including those endangered, in the endemic bushmeat trade.
On his part, a Professor of Botany at, the University of Benin, Emmanuel I. Aigbokhan, called for the incorporation of Conservation Education in schools’ curricula.
He later chaired a technical session that ventilated the views of many other distinguished professionals in the sector.
In a goodwill message the Conservator of Parks at Okomu National Park, who was represented by DPW Okeiukwu Amaka, said: “sustaining existing partnerships and building new ones is critical for the future of life on earth; hence, we need to change our relationship with nature as well as work together for its protection.”
Going further, he stressed: “I will not fail to also celebrate the people who are in the front line of duty to protect this wildlife and our planet earth-the Park Rangers, Eco guards, Forest guards and everyone involve. Let’s not relent in the fight of wildlife conservation; our labour will be rewarded.”
Other notable guests at the event were Dr. Felix Agidigbi (retired Public Administrator from New York); renowned broadcaster, Mr. Tony Abolo; Mr. Tony Oregbeme – a veteran wildlife Administrator; Dr. John Jacobs; Mr. Tony Erha – an environmental journalist; Dr. O. S. Ikpomwonba – retired Director of Forestry / FOW UNIBEN; Dr. Zubairu Dododawa (UNIBEN); Rev. John Igbinadolor (SP retired) of Ogbaneki Community and the Zoo Director, Sir Andy Ehanire, who set the tone for the World wildlife day commemoration.
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