Recently, Abuja, the Nigerian capital, was agog expressed concern for preservation of nature, as conservationists, diplomats, government officials, civil society activists and members of the public, gathered to watch a video narrative, organized by the Embassy of Czech Republic, Abuja.
The footage was majorly on the activities carried out by Mr. Arthur Sniegon, itinerant animal recovering expert and caregiver, on “Agbaibor”, a stranded elephant calf, rescued from the buffers of Okomu National Park, a notable rainforest conservation enclave, situated in Edo State of the country.
Sniegon also presented elephant recovery work in Congo Democratic and Chad, including small holding economic projects on conservation-support activities for local communities.
A senior officer of the mission, spoke on behalf of its Ambassador, Mr. Tomáš Výprachtický, commending the activities of Sniegon, around Africa, particularly in Nigeria.
He added that it was beneficial, not only to the country and humankind, but towards recovery and retaining some wildlife faunas that would have gone extinct.
Sniegon’s presentation of the rescued Okomu elephant calf was like the exciting wildlife films often beamed on network television, which drew applauses from the crowded attendants.
Sniegon’s projects in Nigeria are collaborated by the African Nature Investors, ANI Foundation, a global NGO led by conservationist Tunde Morakinyo.
His current mission to aid with the rescue of the stranded forest elephant calf in Okomu Park is part of a new collaboration to support the long-term innovative work of ANI, that took care of the elephant from the onset.
The Gashaka-Gumpti National Park’s project is also co-managed by the ANI Foundation.
The National Park Service, a Federal Government agency that oversees national parks in the country, is supportive of the activities.
The event was mainly organized by Ondřej Neuschl, Cultural Officer, and Mrs. Marie Nwayanwu, a Czech national and a long serving officer of the embassy, who is its Economic. Counsellor.
The embassy, whilst supporting beekeeping in Gashaka-Gumpti National Park, through small grants by the Czech Aid, is said to be exploring the possibilities of further support for conservation and sustainable development projects in Nigeria.
Invited guests were from the National Park Service, the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the Abuja Bird Club and others.
Guest at the event, include Zainab Oiza Adeiza of Baze University, Abuja, and Tony Erha, notable journalist and conservationist, who had consistently carried out elephant protection advocacy in Okomu National Park, and nature conservation beyond.
