US Consulate, PCGN, OHDI Launch First-Ever Community Pangolin Protection Task Force In Epe

By Babatunde Kaka

The United State Consulate, in partnership with the Pangolin Conservation Guild of Nigeria, PCGN, and One Health Development Initiative, OHDI have launched the first-ever community Pangolin protection task force in Epe.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the first-of-its-kind community task force for the protection and conservation of the most trafficked mammal in the world, the pangolin, has been launched in Epe Local Government, Lagos State.

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The community task force populated by several stakeholders in the Epe community was launched on Friday 12th, the final day of the community-based training organised by the Pangolin Conservation Guild of Nigeria, PCGN, and One Health Development Initiative, OHDI in partnership with the United States of America Consulate at Magville Hotel, Epe.

This online media platform recalls that the non-profit organisations held the 2022 edition of the World Pangolin Day-themed “Community Action For The Conservation Of Pangolins” in Epe town, on 19th February, bringing together the local, state, national and foreign stakeholders under one roof at the Lagos Theatre.

Speaking in an interview with EKO HOT BLOG during the training tagged “Community-Based Pangolin Conservation and Protection”, the Chairman, Pangolin Conservation Group of Nigeria, Professor Olajumoke Morenikeji reiterated the significance of conserving the endangered pangolin, stressing that they are vital in the area of pest control in the ecosystem and must not be left to go into extinction.

She revealed that the pangolin was so dear to the Government of Nigeria that she enacted endangered species law in the country whereby those found in the possession of pangolins would pay the sum of five million naira (5,000,000NGN) with a year jail term sentence.

She further commended the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency, NESREA for taking up the responsibility of reviewing the 2016 law to pave the way for stiffer penalties for violators.

She also disclosed that when the law is finally reviewed, everywhere would be covered including domestic consumption which would also attract an arrest.

This, she said, has been in existence in several other African countries where the culprits are arrested, prosecuted and convicted when found guilty of being in possession of the pangolin.

“The dimension we’ve brought is to come to Epe where we know wildlife is thriving. We know that there are a lot of pangolins in this community and so, we have brought it down to community-based pangolin conservation and protection.”

Fadeelat Sheikh AbdulRahmon Abiola Sadala speaking at the event

“So, today, we have formed a taskforce in Epe and this is just an example to the whole of Nigeria because this taskforce will be replicated in other places.”

“We are happy with this task force because they have been able to see reasons and they are ready to work and make sure that pangolins are protected, preserved and conserved in Epe. We are very positive that will achieve a lot with this task force and we are excited about that,” she said.

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Chief Kadri Odedeogboro

Describing the four-day training as a complete stakeholders meeting, Professor Morenikeji explained that the community leaders, religious leaders, hunters, market women, League of Epe Youths, Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps were all ably represented and in the know of the project.

Notable Epe community stakeholders at the training include; The Olu-Epe of Epe, Oba Dr Shefiu Adewale represented by Chief Kadri Odedeogboro, the Chairman, Hunters Guild of Nigeria, Alhaji Sikiru Adesada; the Grand Chief Imam of Epe Division, His Eminence Fadeelat Sheikh Alhaji AbdulRahmon Abiola Sa’dala; Christian Association of Nigeria Chairman, Epe, Pastor Tunde Taiwo represented by Pastor Akindoyin; and the Iyaloja of Oluwo Chief Market Epe, Alhaja Giwa.

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