A Professor of law at Nigerian Institute of Advance Legal Studies, Mrs. Yinka Omorogbe, yesterday lamented that Nigerians were not animal friendly, even as she advocated legislation for wildlife right.
Omorogbe expressed fears that the nation’s wildlife faces imminent annihilation from forests, if not checked.
She spoke during an event to mark this year’s “World Wildlife Day”, organised by Ogba Zoological Garden and Nature Park, in Benin City, Edo state capital.
According to her, “When our people see lions or other animals, the first thing they think of is how to kill it.
“Imagine a situation where people see a dog or a cat and think they are witches or an object for sacrifices.
“Wereas in some other Africa countries they protect and honour animals like human beings,” she added.
Also speaking, Managing Director of the zoo, Sir Andy Ehanire, said the event theme “was aimed at reawakening the cautiousness of the people on the importance of wildlife.
To this end, Enahire disclosed that the zoo’s management had registered hunters in the state to help fight against wanton decapitation of wildlife species by poachers.
He urged for inclusion of conservative education in school curriculum; with an intrinsic value as a key tourism resources among others.
On his part, the State Commissioner for Environment, Mr Clem Agba, noted that man in his pursuit for survival and economic pleasure has continued to plunder the vast resources of biodiversity bequeathed to planet.
