Dare Babalola
The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Oladiji, has condemned the rising global threats to wildlife.
Oladiji called for swift action to protect biodiversity on Thursday at the 7th Annual Conference of the Wildlife Society of Nigeria (WISON), held on the university campus in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
Represented by the the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Timothy Amos, Oladiji lamented that biodiversity is threatened by the global wildlife trade.
She said, “Broader economic analyses estimate the global impact of wildlife exploitation to be between $4 and $20 billion annually, a staggering figure with profound implications.”
Speaking on the conference theme, “Globalisation and Change: Threats and Impacts on Conservation,” Oladiji highlighted the delicate balance between economic exploitation and wildlife conservation, stressing the critical challenges posed by their clash.
Oladiji campaigned that it is more important to conserve natural habitats and animal populations than generate income from wildlife trade.
She stressed that over-exploitation remains one of the greatest hazards facing global conservation efforts today.
The Vice-Chancellor warned that unchecked exploitation could imperil the very survival of ecosystems.
Appreciating the choice of conference theme, Prof. Oladiji described the event as a vital forum to foster meaningful discussions that balance economic realities with environmental stewardship.
“The conference at FUTA marks a timely and important step toward addressing the complex challenges globalisation imposes on conservation and reinforces the university’s commitment to advancing research and policy solutions that protect Nigeria’s and the world’s natural heritage,” she said.
Prof. Oladiji also expressed optimism that deliberations at the conference would translate into practical policies capable of safeguarding wildlife for future generations.
