Society warns against destruction of wildlife, eco-system

Specifically, the society called for the implementation of Agenda 21 which Nigeria submitted to the United Nations in 1997, “so that we can move away from the primordial lifestyle.” Speaking through its President, Prof. Sonnie Oniye, shortly after the opening of its 9th annual conference held at the University of Ibadan, the society remarked that the […]

Specifically, the society called for the implementation of Agenda 21 which Nigeria submitted to the United Nations in 1997, “so that we can move away from the primordial lifestyle.”
 Speaking through its President, Prof. Sonnie Oniye, shortly after the opening of its 9th annual conference held at the University of Ibadan, the society remarked that the abuse of wildlife signaled trouble for human beings.
 Prof. Oniye declared: “The management of our environment is appalling. Drive round most of the state capitals, towns and villages in Nigeria, you will be shocked at the quality of life and squalor.
 “We all know our wildlife has been decimated. We are in an era of threatening zoonotic diseases, a good example of which is Ebola.  
 “The onus rests on us to improve our environment. The central point is wildlife, zoonoses, environmental management and food security in a developing economy.
 “The theme has captured what we intend to look at, which is the loss of wildlife in our society. The insatiable consumption of wildlife by members of the society – pollution, deforestation, all are encompassing in wildlife decimation. That is responsible for zoonoses which is the transfer of diseases from animal to man and vice versa.
“We are calling for the implementation of Agenda 21 which Nigeria submitted to the United Nations in 1997 so that we can move away from the primordial lifestyle,” he also said.
The National Secretary, Zoological Society of Nigeria, Dr. Olajumoke Morounkeji, said, “Government should be more involved in protecting wildlife. Our lifestyle does not favour wildlife protection and preservation.