Channels TV and Wild Africa Fund, an international environmental non-profit organisation, have collaborated to inspire the protection of Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces.
This is contained in a statement signed by Mr Festus Iyorah, the Country Director, Wild Africa Fund, on Tuesday in Lagos.
The statement said the collaboration would ramp up public awareness of wildlife conservation and as well tackle illegal wildlife trade.
It added that the partnership would take on the challenge of popularising the protection of Nigeria’s wildlife and forests.
“It is also to inspire millions of Nigerians to learn more about the environment, and encourage them to protect the country’s natural heritage for future generations,” said the statement.
According to the statement, Nigeria has emerged as a major transit hub in the illicit wildlife trade in recent years, notably involving pangolin scales and ivory.
The statement recalled that in the last three years, the Nigeria Customs Service had intercepted about 20,000 kilogrammes of illegal wildlife products and live endangered species about to be smuggled out of the country.
It added that beyond the arrests, 12 convictions had been made at the court within three years, with many pending cases.
The statement said to raise awareness and inspire action to address these challenges, Channels TV and Wild Africa Fund would collaborate to publicise wildlife-focused content.
It explained that the content would be a 30-second public service announcements featuring influential Nigerians in sports, music and business, among others.
It explained that under the partnership, Wild Africa Fund would work closely with Channels TV to expand the coverage of its award-winning weekly environment show, Earthfile.
It added that the coverage would be expanded to include more reporting on biodiversity issues and reporting trips outside Lagos to document the pressing challenges confronting Nigeria’s wildlife and forests.
The statement quoted Dr John Momoh, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Channels Media Group, as expressing delight over the partnership.
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Wild Africa Fund, a pivotal alliance that underscores our commitment to preserving Nigeria’s rich natural heritage.
“By harnessing Channels Television’s expansive reach and Wild Africa Fund’s conservation expertise, we aim to ignite a nationwide movement towards wildlife conservation and curb illegal wildlife trade.
“Together, we will bring the wonders of Nigeria’s wildlife and forests into the homes of millions, educating and inspiring action to safeguard these treasures for our future generations,” he said.
Mr Peter Knights, OBE, the Chief Executive Officer of Wild Africa Fund, expressed confidence that the collaboration would be fruitful.
He said: “Channels TV has a history of environmental coverage, and as our environment is under greater pressure than ever before. Together we can amplify this cause.”