ICUN/Ekiti Forestry Commission moves to Save Pangolin from extinction

The International conservational unit of nature (ICUN) in conjunction with Ekiti State Forestry Commission  has launched the first world "Pangolin" day.

The program which took place on 19th February 2022 in Iyin Ekiti and will be celebrated every 3rd Saturday of the month of February every year.

 On the need to prevent the extinction of the scaly mammal better known as ant eater or ''Akika'' in Ekiti local dialect, the Hon. Commissioner for environment and natural resources Barrister Iyabo Fakunle Okieheme , 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 which also has students and teachers from the two secondary schools in the town Eyemote and Egirioke comprehensive high school, Iyin Ekiti.

In her speech, Hon. Iyabo Fakunle admonished the people of Ekiti to cultivate the habit of preserving forest and wildlife most especially the endangered Pangolins. She declared that the Pangolin is considered as the guardian of forests as it protect trees by eating 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 it.

The Executive secretary forestry commission Mr Famuagun in his goodwill message also decried the way the Pangolins are 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 meat and scales which is being used for medicinal purposes according to him, Pangolins can not defend themselves but the people can.

Expressing his disappointment on at the rate ant eater is fast disappearing from the face of the earth, the technical adviser to Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Olly Owen who disclosed that he has lived in Nigeria for 20 years explained the characteristics and advantages of having the Pangolin in our forests. He considered the Pangolin as an endangered specie and lamented the reckless manner in which Asians and other European countries consume the animal. He therefore, 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 delivered by Dr. Victor Ayodeji Ojo, an assistant of wildlife preservation from Ibadan on the topic " Wild life and Us ; A symbolic Relationship "explains the advantages of protecting our environment and forests while advocating for wild animals protection.

 He highlighted some major contributions of the wildlife to the existence of humanity which includes; Nutrients , Drugs and medication sources, fewer diseases , 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 and planting of trees must be taken seriously.

The event took a colourful turn with exhibition of Drawings from students which saw , Ayeni Emmanuel of Eyemote comprehensive High school cart home the first prize 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.

Presenting the prizes to the winners, Barrister Iyabo announced that the administration of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. John Kayode is on course to plant over 5000 trees across the state.

Dr. Olly Owen who gave the representatives of the schools trees and plants to be planted in the schools said the progress 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 crowd.

Other dignitaries present at the event are; the head of Iyin Ekiti local Hunter's, Community Chiefs, Teachers of secondary schools and market women