The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on residents of Akwa Ibom State to take urgent steps toward protecting wildlife, warning that unchecked environmental degradation threatens both the ecological balance and economic future of the state.
The State Director of NOA, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the appeal on Tuesday in Uyo while flagging off a statewide campaign on wildlife preservation.
Mkpoutom said the initiative was aimed at raising awareness over the growing destruction of wildlife and natural resources across the state, stressing that conservation goes beyond environmental concern.
“In a bid to preserve the rich biodiversity of Akwa Ibom, NOA is embarking on a sensitisation campaign urging citizens to take active steps in protecting endangered species.
“The campaign aims at raising awareness on the alarming rate at which wildlife such as vultures, pangolins, as well as economic trees like mahogany are disappearing.
”The disappearances are due to human activities such as deforestation, illegal logging, poaching and unsustainable agricultural practices,” Mkpoutom said.
He emphasised that the preservation of endangered species is closely tied to safeguarding cultural heritage, maintaining ecological stability and securing long-term economic benefits for the state.
The NOA director further highlighted the importance of community-driven efforts, urging residents to adopt sustainable practices, protect forest reserves and engage in tree-planting initiatives to restore degraded environments.
He also called on citizens to take personal responsibility in protecting nature by nurturing native trees and conserving existing green spaces.
In her remarks, the State Coordinator of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESRA), Mrs Mfon Nkanang, stressed the need for stricter enforcement of environmental laws to protect endangered species.
Nkanang assured that the government would not hesitate to sanction offenders, noting that violators of environmental regulations would face legal consequences.
The campaign marks a renewed push by authorities to curb biodiversity loss and promote sustainable environmental practices in Akwa Ibom.
