OBASANJO CHRISTENED LION ‘AREMU’ HIS TRADITIONAL NAME

Former Nigerian President,Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Monday stunned the world as he christened a new born lion cub in wildlife located inside Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library,Abeokuta with his traditional name,Aremu.

Obasanjo adopted one of the three new born lion cubs and also donated the sum of N1million for animal upkeep in the wildlife

The former president,represented by Director of Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library,OOPL, Vitalis Ortese,‎made this known  at the opening ceremony of the Wildlife Park and Animal ADOPTION (Animals Depend On People‎.

He called  on Nigerians to come to the aid of some animal species that face extinction in near future.

Obasanjo said the name adoption of the animals in the park was aimed at recruiting individual and corporate partners who will support the Park in providing the financial resources for the preservation and care of animals that are on the brink of extinction as a result of increased human activities.

Also speaking, Deputy Chief Coordinator (OOPL) Ayodele Aderinwale had intimated the gathering of the essence of introducing the wildlife park into the Library project, noting that it has been part of the focal part since

The National President, National Association of Zoo And Parks (NAZAP), Morenikeji Olajumoke urged the government to brace up to the challenges facing wildlife in the country.

She noted that at present, some species face extinction in the country, “and, we must do something to it fast, because of their benefits to humanity too.

“Among the animal that is fast facing extinction is the Pangolin otherwise known as bush meat (eran ‘gbe). Already in China, we cannot find it anymore and they are shifting attention to Africa, particularly in Nigeria’,Olajumoke said.

‘And this is an animal that eliminates about 70m pest in our forest annually. So, if we do not quickly address this, the pest will be available to destroy our forest too,” she said.

Olajumoke lamented that notable parks, like the one in Enugu State has been wiped out, with the land sold to private developers for personal houses.

“But, the cheering news is that while government seem to be turning away from wildlife development, people like our Baba Obasanjo is looking into the direction’.

“We must commend Baba for this and every stakeholder need to come together to save wildlife park in the country.”

The Association chairperson also used the occasion to call on the Federal Government to ensure the release of the Park Guard at Ogba Zoo and Nature Park in Benin, Edo State, Dr. Andy Ehanire, who has been abducted since September 24, by unknown gunmen, who also killed three Policemen.

She assured that the association would be ready to synergies with government at improving on the state of wildlife in the country, boasting that, the sector could also provide relief to the nation’s economy.

Meanwhile,in a related development at the event ,another‎ guest identified as  Prof. Afolabi  also adopted another lion cub at the sum of N1million.