As the World Earth Day is being observed, the Ondo State Goodwill Ambassador for Environment, Ms. Olayemi Olapeju, has extended her condolences to families around the world who have lost loved ones to wildlife attacks.
Olapeju expressed her sympathy during the inauguration of the “No to Extinction: Art for Environment” campaign at Elegbeka Farm Settlement in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State on Wednesday.
As part of activities marking World Earth Day, the ambassador organised a week-long series of events to promote environmental awareness. She stressed that the importance of the day goes beyond its annual celebration on April 22, calling for daily reflection and action in protecting the planet.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), World Earth Day, first observed in 1970, is celebrated globally to promote environmental sustainability.
Olapeju emphasised the theme for the 2025 celebration, “Our Power, Our Planet,” which highlights the urgent need to transition to renewable energy for the sake of future generations.
“Conserving wildlife goes hand in hand with protecting the people who live alongside them,” she said. “You cannot separate the two.”
Recalling several incidents, Olapeju said she had been reading about human-wildlife conflicts since her teenage years.
“In the 1980s, a lion killed its keeper at Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ekiti State. There was also a lion attack at Agodi Zoo Gardens in Ibadan, and more recently, a zookeeper was killed at the Obafemi Awolowo University Zoo in Osun State,” she recalled.
She also cited international cases, including a tourist trampled by an elephant in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a 14-year-old girl mauled by a lion in Nairobi National Park, Kenya, and a 54-year-old man killed by an elephant in Kenya’s Mere Forest just last Saturday.
“My deepest condolences go to the bereaved families who have lost loved ones in such tragic incidents,” she said.
To support the local community, Olapeju distributed solar-powered lights and financial stipends generated from the sale of hand-carved wildlife sculptures.
“I believe in the power of humanity. As a goodwill ambassador for the environment, I want to initiate projects that not only protect nature but also support those affected by its challenges,” she said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. James Muhammed, who lost an eye while hunting in the forest, expressed gratitude for the ambassador’s support.
“She has given us hope and reminded us of the importance of protecting our environment. I appeal to the government to also come to our aid and help alleviate our suffering,” he said.
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