Don advocates conservation of aquatic animals

A Don and environmentalist has advocated for the conservation of aquatic animals in Nigeria towards protecting them from becoming endangered species.

The Don, Dr. Johnson Ogunjobi, CEO, Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecological Restoration (INSAER) made this assertion while speaking at the World Aquatic Animal Day held at Ilaje High School, Igbokoda in Ondo State recently.

Ilaje High School, Igbokoda, Ondo State was established on 19th December, 1979 under Governor Adekunle Ajasin and it is a foremost school in the coastal area of Ondo State.

Globally, 3rd of April is a day set aside to create awareness on conservation of aquatic animals. Both the staff and students of the school were elated about the choice of the school for the inauguration of the conservation club.

The 2023 edition of the World Aquatic Animals Day organised by the Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecological Restoration (INSAER) and One Health Development Initiative (OHDI) in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Management of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) Okitipupa held at Ilaje High School, Igbokoda, Ondo State provided an opportunity for the sensitisation of the people on aquatic animals and to stimulate the interest of the students.

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Declaring the event opened, the Principal of Ilaje High School, Mr Johnbull Mebawondu who was represented by Mr. Gbenga Ikugbayigbe ( English Language Teacher) and assisted by Mr. Ayodeji Alexander Oyintoke ( Agricultural Science Teacher) was very delighted with the organizers of the programme for the concept and for the choice of the school.

He encouraged them to promote their advocacy to the state and national assembly while the volunteers will put their best to educate the local community.

The don and guest lecturer, Dr. Johnson Ogunjobi who is also the Head of Department, Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Management, OAUSTECH), listed different ecological, social and economic importances of sea turtle to the coastline community and other aquatic life.

“The importance of conservation of sea turtles cannot be overemphasized and that is why we need concerted efforts towards sensitising the people and protecting the aquatic animals.

“The choice of sea turtles among other aquatic animals is basically because it is a keystone species controlling the activities of other aquatic animals including fishes.”

Dr. Ogunjobi mentioned that securing migratory sea turtles in Nigeria is becoming necessary for Sustainable livelihoods of coastline community and improvement of Nigeria blue economy programme.

Dr. Kayode Ogunsusi of the department of Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Management (OAUSTECH) while speaking at the event encouraged the participants to emulate conservation spirit and tailor their minds towards ecotourism benefits of sea turtle rather than consumptive uses which is not sustainable.

Mr. Akinleye Oyegbami of One Health Development Initiative (OHDI) in his remarks commended the efforts put together by the department of Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Management of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) and Initiative for Sustainable Agriculture and Ecological Restoration (INSAER). He emphasised that the collaboration would yield more fruitful results.

” I commend the synergy and collaboration between the department of Forestry, Wildlife and Environmental Management of Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology ( OAUSTECH) and Initiative for sustainable Agriculture and Ecological Restoration (INSAER) with our organisation, One Health Development Initiative”

I am optimistic that the collaboration between the three will yield positive results soon towards protection of the aquatic animals with particular reference to the sea turtles.”

Some of the participants expressed their joy in coming across information on ecological activities of sea turtles for the first time.

Highlight of the event was the inauguration of Sea Turtles Conservation Club. The head boy of the school Ayodeji Iyanoye and the head girl Miss Idowu Faith were among over fifty pioneer members inaugurated as sea turtle conservation volunteers. Both Ayodeji Iyanoye and Idowu Faith expressed their determination to be worthwhile champions of Sea Turtles Conservation Club.