The Wildlife Society of Nigeria (WISON) recently held its 8th Annual Conference in Abuja, bringing together wildlife professionals, government representatives, and stakeholders to discuss pressing conservation challenges. The conference, themed “Human-Wildlife Interactions and Sustainable Protected Area Management,” was hosted by the Nigeria National Park Service (NPS) in collaboration with WISON and supported by 7Up Bottling Company of Nigeria. The event provided a platform for experts to share knowledge and experiences in environmental governance, conservation finance, and protected-area management.
During the conference, WISON honoured four Nigerians for their outstanding contributions to environmental leadership and conservation. Malam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, Minister of Environment, was recognised for his efforts in promoting environmental governance and sustainability. His award was received on his behalf by Mr Olaitan Fajuyitan, Senior Special Assistant to the Minister and Coordinator of Nigeria’s Green Bond Programme. Lawal has been instrumental in advancing the Federal Government’s environmental agenda, including the third Sovereign Green Bond valued at ₦50 billion.
Another recipient of the award was Mr Phillip Ihenacho, founding Director of Africa Nature Investors (ANI) Foundation. He received the Distinguished Environmental Vanguard Award for his innovative approach to conservation, which connects environmental protection with sustainable finance and private-sector investment. Through ANI, Ihenacho has helped establish long-term partnerships with the Nigeria National Park Service in Gashaka-Gumti National Park and the Okomu landscape.
Mr Tunde Morakinyo, Executive Director of ANI, was also recognised at the conference. Although details of his award were not provided, his organisation has been instrumental in advancing conservation efforts in Nigeria. The conference also acknowledged the contributions of Mr Dantata, whose achievements in community-based tourism and conservation were celebrated by WISON.
NPS Conservator-General, Dr Ibrahim Goni, emphasised the importance of collaboration between protected areas and surrounding communities. He stressed that protected areas cannot be managed in isolation and called for stronger partnerships, better approaches to human-wildlife conflict, and greater use of technology in conservation. WISON President, Prof. Omotola Jayeola, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for stronger collaboration among professionals, government, civil society, and local communities.
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss some of Nigeria’s most pressing conservation challenges. Lawal, in his remarks, called for stronger legislation and tougher sanctions against wildlife crimes, while urging closer collaboration among government, academics, communities, media, and conservation organisations. The event demonstrated WISON’s growing role as a professional voice for wildlife practitioners, as evident in its intervention in the movement of elephants into the Saki area of Oyo State.
The recognition of these four individuals underscores the importance of collaboration and innovative approaches to conservation in Nigeria. Their contributions to environmental leadership, conservation finance, protected-area management, and community-based tourism have made a significant impact on the country’s conservation efforts. The WISON conference serves as a testament to the power of partnerships and collective action in addressing Nigeria’s environmental challenges.
Key points
- WISON honours four Nigerians for environmental leadership and conservation efforts
- Conference highlights importance of collaboration and innovative approaches to conservation
- Recognition underscores impact of contributions to Nigeria’s conservation efforts
