The adoption of a calf, a baby elephant, by Minister of State for Environment Dr. Iziak Salako, has got him talking on his motivation.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Elephant Action Plan (NEAP) in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister attributed the calf adoption to his determination to see that elephants do not suffer extinction in Nigeria.
Salako explained that the step is geared towards the preservation of the lives of 300 to 400 elephants in Nigeria.
He said while lauding the importance of the animal in ecosystem: “Elephants are integral to our community and heritage. They support flora and fauna growth and are vital for biodiversity.”
He added that NEAP is on a mission to bolster efforts to protect the country’s dwindling elephant population and preserve biodiversity.
Elephant is an endangered animal in Nigeria as 99 percent are lost to poaching and human-wildlife conflicts.
