Innocent Onoh
Nigerians have been urged to resolve to extend love to wild species and refrain from actions that drive them into extinction.
Some nature lovers and conservationists made the call at the celebration of the 2025 World Pangolin Day organised by the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) University of Lagos (UNILAG) students chapter.
Themed ” Youth Legacy for pangolin conservation,” the event was aimed at educating the public about the importance of pangolins and the need for collective actions of everyone, particularly young people, for their sustainable protection.
In an address of welcome, the Convener, Dr. Excellence Akeredolu, who is the Director at Large at the SER, and the advisor to the student chapter at UNILAG, emphasized that people can contribute to conserving pangolins by supporting projects for their conservation including awareness creation, fundraising, forest protection and responsible use of nature resources.
Dr. Akeredolu stated that in line with the theme of the celebration, young people should take impactful actions towards the conservation of the critically endangered species.
He said that “This theme emphasizes the crucial role that young people play in shaping the future of pangolin conservation. As students, we have a pivotal responsibility to create a legacy that prioritizes the protection of these magnificent creatures. Let us remember that our collective actions, no matter how small, can lead to monumental changes. The future of the pangolin relies on our commitment and collaboration. Let us be the voice for the voiceless and act as stewards of our environment,” said Akeredolu.
He highlighted some ways people can collaborate to make a difference and help save pangolins from extinction.
“Raise awareness: Utilize social media platforms to spread informative content about pangolins and their ecological significance. Organize workshops and seminars to educate our peers, focusing on the plight of pangolins in Nigeria.
“Participate in Conservation Projects: Join existing conservation initiatives or create new projects that focus on habitat restoration and protection. Collaborating with local NGOs can amplify our efforts and increase our impact.
“Advocacy and Policy Engagement: Engage with policymakers to advocate for stronger laws against wildlife trafficking. We can organize campaigns that highlight the importance of pangolin conservation and push for action.
“Research and Documentation: Encourage students in relevant fields to conduct research on pangolin populations, their habitats, and the impacts of illegal trade. This data can support broader conservation efforts and inform policy decisions.
“Volunteer and Fundraise: Participate in volunteer programs and fundraise for organizations dedicated to pangolin conservation. Initiatives such as community clean-ups can also help restore habitats and raise awareness about pangolins.
“Support Responsible Consumption: Educate our peers on the importance of sustainable practices and discourage the use of pangolin products. By promoting ethical choices, we can reduce demand and protect these animals.”
Dr. Akeredolu pointed out that pangolins, which play the crucial role of reducing the number of harmful insects and termites in the ecosystems by feeding on them, are on the brink of extinction, with over 80 percent of their population wiped off within the last two decades, calling for immediate actions to reverse the ugly trend.
He commended some organizations for their continued support of the SER, which had helped to sustain the activities towards nature protection for years now.
“First and foremost, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all our collaborators and partners who have supported our journey over the past six years. Your unwavering commitment and dedication have made our mission not only possible but also meaningful.
“I would especially like to recognize the invaluable support of organizations like the Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Green Fingers Wildlife Initiative, Pangolin Nigeria Trust, the IUCN Pangolin Working Group, the African Pangolin Working Group, and the Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecological Restoration. Your collaboration has been instrumental in making this event a success and in advancing our shared mission of pangolin conservation.
“Today, we come together not just to celebrate the pangolin but to reaffirm our commitment to its protection and conservation. World Pangolin Day serves as a vital reminder of the challenges these unique creatures face due to habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trad.”
On her part, the Head of the Zoology Department at UNILAG, Prof. Kehinde Kemabouta, asked the Nigerian public to guard against poaching and habitats loss, which she identified as the major factors driving pangolins to extinction.
Prof . Kemabouta also enjoined the authorities in the country to without delay put the necessary measures in place to stop criminal elements from using the country as a major traffic route for pangolin products, stressing that based on available reports, 10,000 pangolins are trafficked from Nigeria annually.
To all the participants at the occasion, she said, “I urge you all to take actions , support conservation initiatives, educate your communities and advocate for stronger policies against wildlife trafficking. Together, we can create a ripple effect of change for beyond today.”
Also speaking in a remark, the Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, Dr. Joseph Onoja, who was among the dignitaries, reiterated that all must protect the environment for it to continue to support lives and livelihoods, including safeguarding wildlife, as he wished all a happy World Pangolin Day celebration.
He said ” I join everyone in wishing all of us a happy Pangolin Day. As the event falls at a time when the world is commemorating Valentine Day, let us try and love not just pangolins, but other animals, and especially the roles they play in our environment.”
The event, which featured a paper presentation by the director of an international environmental NGO, “African Pangolin Working Group”, had the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsol, as the Chief Host.
The Pangolin Nigeria Trust and Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, Lekki were among numerous partners in the programme.
World Pangolin Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of February each year.