The Ondo State Goodwill Ambassador for Environment, Ms. Olayemi Olapeju, has commiserated with the families of wildlife attack victims across the world.
Olapeju, who inaugurated No To Extinction Art For Environment, commiserated with the victims at Elegbeka Farm Settlement in Ose Local Government of the state on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
The ambassador, who organised one-week activities to mark World Earth Day, said that the day should not be observed on only April 22, due to its significance and benefit to humanity.
World Earth Day was first observed in 1970 and has been observed yearly to raise awareness for sustainable environment.
According to her, observing the World Earth Day on daily basis will serve as a reminder to protect the environment, air, water, biodiversity including wildlife and humans being on earth.
She explained that the theme of 2025, “Our Power, Our Planet”, focused on the transition to renewable energy, and contributed to maintain a safe and clean environment for coming generations.
According to her, wildlife conservation impacts more than just animals, because we cannot protect wildlife without protecting people living with wildlife.
“I have been coming across headlines of human-wildlife conflicts since I was a teenager and In Nigeria, there have been several incidents of lion attacks.
“I remember vividly in the 1980s, when a lion mauled its keeper to death at Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti State, a lion also killed at Agodi zoo gardens in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“Another recent one was the killing of a zookeeper at Obafemi Awolowo University zoo in Osun State.
“In addition, there are several reports of elephant attacks, particularly the tourist that was trampled and killed by an elephant in Kruger National Park, South Africa.
“Also, a 14-year-old girl was killed by a lion at a ranch in Nairobi National Park, Kenya, and the 54-year-old man killed by an elephant also at Mere Forest in Kenya last Saturday.
“My deep condolences go to the bereaved families of these people who lost their family members to wildlife attacks over the decades,” she said.
Olapeju, therefore, distributed some renewable energy solar lights and the stipends generated from the sales of thorn carving wildlife sculptures to the people in the community.
“I believe in humanity and want to use my position as a goodwill ambassador for environment to enact good initiatives that will benefit the environment and victims of wildlife attacks,” she said.
A victim, Mr. James Muhammed, who lost one eye due to injuries sustained in the forest during hunting, thanked Olapeju for her kind gesture and educating them about the importance of protecting the earth.
He urged the government to also come to their aid and give more assistance to end their suffering and poverty.
By Muftau Ogunyemi