Ugo Aliogo
The Wildlife Justice Commission has said 55 per cent of pangolin scale seizures worldwide between 2016 and 2019 were linked to Nigeria.
A statement signed by the Nigeria Representative, Wild Africa Fund, Festus Iyorah, stated that a recent survey of 1,000 Nigerians conducted by Lagos-based Market Surveys International, found that 88 per cent were aware of Wild Africa Fund’s campaign with 97 per cent of people aged 10-17 years, who said they remembered the campaign.
According to the statement, 86 per cent of respondent said they would no longer kill or consume because of learnings from the campaign and 31 per cent said they have stopped consuming bush meat due to the campaign.
The statement noted that 91 per cent of the respondent signified their intention to substitute bush meat with other sources of protein like chicken, fish, and meat from goat, cattle and turkey
The statement further explained that to mark the World Pangolin Day, Nigeria’s leading personalities from the realms of music, comedy, sports, and business have come together to shine a spotlight on the urgent need to address the devastating impacts of the illegal wildlife on pangolins and the use of Nigeria as an export hub for trafficking pangolin scales.
The statement further explained that the campaign, spearheaded by Wild Africa Fund and supported by a wide array of Nigerian media organisations, has brought together a stellar lineup of renowned Nigerian personalities including 2Face, Davido, Ali Baba, Emanuella, Alex Iwobi, Josh2Funny and several other celebrities who have committed their voices and influence to amplify the escalating threats posed by the illegal wildlife trade, particularly on pangolins.
The West Africa spokesperson, Wild Africa Fund, Dr. Mark Ofua, said by leveraging the power of public figures and the influence they wield, th campaign aims to turn the tide for pangolins and make Nigeria a regional leader in fighting wildlife crime.
The Chief Executive Officer of Wild Africa Fund, Peter Knights OBE stated:“Once aware of the issues, leading Nigerians and media have been incredibly supportive of better wildlife protection and we truly believe the country can lead the region in safeguarding pangolins and other endangered wildlife.”
