AFRICA

Nigeria Unveils Large Elephant Sculpture Moulded from Destroyed Ivory

Nigeria’s Federal Government has unveiled the sculpture of an elephant crafted from pulverised wildlife stockpile, signalling a climax of the disposal of about six tons of confiscated wildlife stockpiles by the National Environmental Standards And Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA).

NESREA is the agency designated by Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) to enforce international law on the endangered species.

The Sculpture, a first of its kind in Nigeria, represents the country’s zero-tolerance stance against wildlife trafficking and its dedication to protecting listed endangered species of Wild fauna and flora.

The event on Wednesday marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to combat illegal wildlife trade, which has been a major threat to the country’s biodiversity and global conservation efforts. 

Concerted efforts by NESREA and sister agencies such as the Nigerian Customs Service led to the arrest of several suspects between 2011 and 2023. 185 bags of pangolin scales weighing 3991 kilogrammes, 11 bags of crocodiles and other listed reptiles, leopard skins and feathers weighing 102 kilogrammes and 2500 kilogrammes of ivory were recovered from these suspects and kept in the custody of NESREA.

In October 2023, the seized pangolin scales and other animal skins were incinerated by NESREA and this was followed by the crushing of the confiscated ivory in January 2024. Both exercise were carried out with the support of Elephant Protection Initiative Foundation (EPIF) of United Kingdom and the United States Embassy in Nigeria.

Unveiling the statue crafted from the residue of pulverized confiscated stockpiles, the Minister of Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, officially christened it the ‘Giwa Statue of Renewed Hope’. He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu to eradicate wildlife trafficking in Nigeria.

He called on Nigerians to support the fight against illegal wildlife trafficking by providing intelligence, discouraging animal poaching and refusing to use products that are not ethically sourced, stressing that “we need wildlife for our survival, well being and prosperity as they maintain ecological balance, maintains the food chain and they keep us connected to nature”.

Director General of NESREA, Dr. Innocent Barikor said, “This Elephant sculpture symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to zero tolerance to Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) at all levels, and a proof to CITES communities that Nigeria has not relented in carrying out its obligations to the international environmental conventions and promotion of eco-tourism.”

NESREA, is a parastatal of the Federal Ministry of Environment charged with the mandate to enforce all environmental laws, policies, guidelines, standards and regulations as well as to enforce compliance with the provisions of multilateral environmental Agreements, Protocols, Conventions and Treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory.

Michael Olugbode

Follow us on:

AriseNews

View Comments

  • THE MARKETING OFFICER OmarON (O8O 6739 9O9O ) AUCTION AUCTION AUCTION !!!!!!. THE NIGERIA CUSTOMS SERVICE
    AUCTION IS TAKING PLACE HERE, WE MAKE DELIVERY TO ALL STATES IN NIGERIA
    WE SELL GOODS LIKE :
    VEHICLES
    BAGS OF RICE
    BALES OF CLOTHES
    VEGITABLES OIL ETC. ALSO THE REPLACEMENT FROM IS OUT NOW,
    THOSE ARE THE VEHICLES LISTED BELOW WITH THEIR PRICE
    GOLF ,2 3 4,= 400,000 to 550,000
    TOYOTA CAMRY BIG DADDY = 700,000
    TOYOTA CAMRY TINY LIGHT = 450,000
    TOYOTA CAMRY MUZZLE =1m800,000
    TOYOTA CAMRY SPIDER =1m900,000
    TOYOTA VENZA = 1.8 MILLION
    TOYOTA AVENSIS =1m650,000
    TOYOTA AVALON = 1.2 MILLION
    TOYOTA Hilux = 1.3 MILLION
    TOYOTA SIENNA = 750,000
    TOYOTA RAV4 = 1.6 MILLION
    TOYOTA 4RUNNER= 1. MILLION
    TOYOTA TUNDRA = 2. MILLION
    TOYOTA PICNIC = 650,000
    TOYOTA HIGHLANDER = 1.6 MILLION
    TOYOTA COROLLA = 750,000
    TOYOTA COROLLA SPORT= 900,000
    TOYOTA PRADO= 2. MILLION
    TOYOTA MATRIX = 650,000
    TOYOTA LANDCRUISSER = 2. MILLION
    TOYOTA YARIS = 1.1 MILLION
    TOYOTA HIACE BUS = 3.5 MILLION
    ACURA MDX = 1.6 MILLION
    ACURA ZDX=2.3 MILLION
    HONDA ACCORD= 650,000
    HONDA PILOT = 1. MILLION
    HONDA BABY BOY =550,000
    LEXUS RX300 1.3 MILLION
    LEXUS RX330 1.9 MILLION
    LEXUS RX350 2.2 MILLION
    BENZ =ML550.#3.2MILLIO
    INFINITY FX35= 1.2 MILLION INFINITY FX45=1.5 MILLION
    NISSAN MURANO = 1 MILLION
    NISSAN PATHFINDER =1.6 MILLION
    ETC ONLY INTERESTED BUYERS SHOULD CONTACT THE MARKETING OFFICER-IN-CHARGE ON (O8O 6739 9O9O )

Recent Posts

EFCC Arrests Suspects For Alleged Vote Buying In Edo Governorship Election

The EFCC has arrested three suspects for alleged vote buying during the ongoing Edo governorship…

3 hours ago

30,000 Residents Ordered to Evacuate in Central Japan Amid Major Flooding Threat

Evacuations of 30,000 people are underway in central Japan as heavy rains threaten severe flooding,…

3 hours ago

Fire Protection Agency Employee Arrested For Suspected Arson In Northern California

An employee of California's state fire protection agency, known as Cal Fire, has been arrested…

3 hours ago

Mexico: Violence Erupts in Sinaloa as Cartel Clashes Kill At Least 53, Leave 51 Missing

In Mexico's western Sinaloa state, at least 53 people have been killed and 51 others…

4 hours ago

Nigeria Police Arrest Two Suspected Political Thugs, Seize Firearms In Edo Ahead Of Governorship Election

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of two suspected political thugs during…

4 hours ago

Tinubu Eulogises Wife, Oluremi, On 64th Birthday, Gushes About Her Love, Strength, Grace

President Bola Tinubu on Saturday rejoiced with his better half, Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion…

4 hours ago