AT 2023 WORLD WILDLIFE DAY CELEBRATION IN BENIN, EDO STATE

The 2023 World Wildlife Day commemoration was held yesterday March 3, at the Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin City. Stakeholders across the Wildlife, Forestry, and Conservation Biology sectors converged to mark the tenth anniversary of this UN celebration, with the theme, *Partnership for Conservation.*

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, represented the State Commissioner in the Ministry as Special Guest. 

In his address, Mr. Edionwe 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, Barr Osarogiuwa Iryn also graced the event along with their respective delegations. 

In her goodwill message, Barr Osarogiuwa 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. 

A goodwill message was also received from the Conservator of Parks at Okomu National Park, who was represented by DPW Okeiukwu   Amaka.

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. 

A cross-section of media practitioners was also present at the event.