The International Conservational Unit Of Nature (ICUN) in conjunction with the Department of Forestry in the Ministry of Environment in Ekiti state has launched the first world ‘Pangolin day’.
The program which took place on 19th February 2022 is the first of it’s kind in Ekiti and will be celebrated every 3rd Saturday February of every year on the need to prevent the extinction of the scaly mamma better known as ant eater or ”Akika” in local dialects.
The commissioner for environment and natural resources Barrister Iyabo Fakunle Okieheme ,The Chairman Forestry commission Hon.Kayode Olaosebikan who was represented by the Technical adviser to Ekiti state Governor on forestry and climate change, Dr. Olly Owen, the Executive secretary, forestry commission Mr. M.O famuagun, the Oluyin of Iyin Ekiti His Royal Majesty Oba Ademola Ajakaiye 111 and the chairman Araromi lCDA High chief Wale Alade all attended the event with the students and teachers from the two secondary schools in the town.(Eyemote high school and Egirioke comprehensive high school,Iyin Ekiti)
In her speech, the Hon. Commissioner for Environment and natural resources,Hon.Iyabo Fakunle admonished the people of Ekiti to cultivate the habit of preserving the forest and wildlife most especially the Pangolins. She declared that the Pangolin is considered as the guardian of the forest as it eats ants and termites which are harmful to the trees. She therefore called on the general public to desist from killing or eating the animal which she said might soon go into extinction if concrete steps are not taken to protect the mammals.
The Executive secretary forestry commission Mr Famuagun decried the way the Pangolin is being hunted for food and money. He maintained that the Pangolin which he considered friendly to the environment should rather be protected as it is in high demand in Asian and other foreign countries for its sweet delicacies and scales which is being used for medicinal purposes.
In his words, the “Pangolins cannot defend themselves but the people can”
Expressing his disappointment on the manner in which the ant eater is fast disappearing,
The Technical adviser to Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Olly Owen who said he has lived in Nigeria for 20 years explained the characteristics of the Pangolin. He considered the Pangolin as an endangered species and lamented the reckless manner people in Asian and other European countries consume the animal. He appealed to the government and the general public to safe guard the forest so as to maintain the balance of the Ecosystem.
Earlier, a lecture was delivered by Dr. Victor Ayodeji Ojo, an assistant of wildlife preservation from Ibadan on the topic ” Wild life and Us ; A symbolic Relationship”
Dr. Victor explains the advantages of protecting our environment and forests while advocating for animals protection, Pangolin inclusive.
He highlighted some major contributions of the wildlife to the existence of humanity which includes; Nutrients for man, Drugs and medication sources, fewer diseases for man, Economic growth,job opportunities, Mental health promotion and cultural significance.
He noted that by preserving the wildlife the human environment will be secured from extinction even as the climate change is a warning that forestry, planting of trees must be taken seriously.
The event took a colourful turn with exhibition of Arts work by invited students of Eyemote comprehensive high school and Egirioke high school. After cross examination by Dignitaries, Ayeni Emmanuel of Eyemote comprehensive High school came first while Akoko Abumereh and Jacob Victor Adedayo of Egirioke and Eyemote comprehensive high school came second and third respectively.
In the Poetry competition, Saidat Sadiq of Egirioke comprehensive high school won the English contest while Olaleye Olanike of Eyemote comprehensive high school came first in the Yoruba contest.
The Hon. Commissioner while presenting gifts to the winners announced that the administration of Dr. John Kayode is on course to plant over 5000 trees across the state.
Dr. Olly Owen who gave the representative of the schools trees to be planted and will be monitored to ensure the vision of a conducive environment is achieved.
The students cultural troupe and Iyin Ekiti Cultural dancers thereafter thrilled the guests to songs and dance to the admiration of the people.
Other dignitaries present at the event are; the head of Iyin Ekiti local Hunter’s, Community chiefs Teachers of secondary schools and market women.
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
