The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Akwa Ibom citizens to ensure the protection and preservation of wildlife for ecological balance and economic future of the state.
The state Director of the agency, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, gave the advice on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Uyo, while flagging off the campaign on wildlife preservation.
Mkpoutom said that the campaign was to raise awareness on the alarming rate of the destruction of wildlife in the state.
He said the conservation of endangered plants and animals was not just an environmental issue, but a crucial aspect of preserving the cultural heritage, ecological balance and economic future of the state.
“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 added that there was the need for a community-led conservation effort.
Mkpoutom urged local communities to adopt sustainable practices, protect forest reserves and participate in tree-planting initiatives to restore degraded habitats.
The state NOA boss therefore called on Akwa Ibom citizens to be guardians of nature, plant native trees and protect existing green spaces.
In his remarks, the state Coordinator, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Mrs. Mfon Nkanang, called for the enforcement of environmental standards protecting endangered species.
Nkanang said government would ensure that violators faced legal consequences.
By Isaiah Eka