A sizeable gathering of nature conservationists, drawn from diplomatic missions, civil society groups, government and the public, had met, recently in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, thus showing a greater concern for the protection of wildlife species of plants and animals, alongside the natural environment in which they habitate.
The event was held within the Kolanut Gallery of the city district of Asokoro, as Mr. Arthur Sniegon, a nature conservationist and rescuer of wildlife animals, gave a public narrative on his activities in Cameroon, Chad, Congo Democratic Republic, including the Nigeria-owned Gashaka-Gumti and Okomu national parks, respectively
The Sniegon’s presentation, which was centred on his rescue and rehabilitation of elephants and hippopotamuses, was organized by the Embassy of Czech Republic, Abuja.
The presentation, which was accorded repeated ovation, also featured Sniegon’s accounts on the provision of small grants and micro businesses for forest bearing communities in the aforementioned countries and Nigeria,
A senior officer of the mission, spoke on behalf of its Ambassador, Mr. Tomáš Výprachtický, commending the activities of Sniegon, around Africa.
He added that it was beneficial, not only to the countries and humankind, but also towards recovery and retaining some wildlife faunas that would have gone extinct.
The event was mainly organized by Ondřej Neuschl, Cultural Officer, and Mrs. Marie Nwayanwu, a keen conservationist, Czech national and a long serving officer of the embassy, who is its Economic. Counsellor.
The Embassy, whilst supporting beekeeping in Gashaka-Gumti National Park, in Taraba State of Nigeria, through small grants by the Czech Aid, is said to be exploring the possibilities of further support for conservation and sustainable development projects in Nigeria
Sniegon’s activities in Nigeria are collaborated by the African Nature Investors – ANI Foundation, a global NGO led by notable conservationist Tunde Morakinyo.
In his narration, Sniegon praised the conservancy efforts of ANI Foundation in Gashaki-Gumti and Okomu national parks, hinting further that the commendable activities of rescuing “Agbabo”, an elephant calf that was stranded in the buffers of Okomu National Park, in Edo State, was started from the onset by ANI, after which he stepped in.
He also commended the country’s National Park Service, a Federal Government agency that oversees national parks in the country, headed by its Conservator General, Dr. Ibrahim Goni, for a practicable collaboration with ANI, and supportive of the activities in the parks.
A milestone was achieved during the event, where its participants shared useful notes on conservation ideals, and resolved to join hands to effectively protect the country’s endangered wildlife species, with their designate habitats.
Guests at the event, include Zainab Oiza Adeiza of Baze University, Abuja, and Deputy Coordinator of the Abuja Bird Club.
Also in attendance was Tony Erha, notable journalist and conservationist, who had consistently carried out elephant protection advocacy in Okomu National Park, and environment conservation beyond.