The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has named two celebrities, Tito Da Fire and Mariam Longe as “Save Vulture Ambassadors’’.
The ambassadorial position was given to the duo in Lagos on Thursday, December 3, 2020 in recognition of their advocacy for the protection of vultures.
While handing over the symbolic plaque of recognition to the duo, the Director-General of NCF, Dr Muhtari Aminu-Kanu, thanked them for the good work they were doing in the protection and conservation of nature, especially, vultures.
In his acceptance remarks, musician and singer, Tito Da Fire (known as Uduak Peters), promised to take the “Save Vulture” advocacy beyond the boundaries of social media.
He said he was prepared to go the extra mile in having interpersonal discussions with traditionalists who made use of vultures in their practice.
Also, popular TV presenter, Mariam Longe, vowed to take the “Save Vulture’’ campaign to schools.
According to her, it is important to teach the younger generation the importance of vultures in the maintenance of balance in the eco- system.
Earlier, Dr Joseph Onoja, Director, Technical Programmes, NCF, in his presentation, said that vultures were gradually becoming an endangered species with 95 per cent of some species gradually going into extinction.
Onoja attributed the decline in the number of vultures to direct persecution, poisoning and death.
He noted that about 11 species of vultures were found in Africa.
He called for greater advocacy on the role of vultures in maintaining balance in the eco-system.
He said everyone should join hands to stop all threats against vultures and support the protection of Vulture Safe Zone.
By Fabian Ekeruche
