…Says initiative to promote Biodiversity Conservation and Community Development.
A non-governmental organization (NGO), The South/West Niger Delta Forest Project has organize Akinluaduse Conservation Football Tournament at Ise Ekiti, to showcase the rich wildlife of Ise Ekiti and promote public involvement in biodiversity conservation through sports.
The tournament, which will be staged at the St. John’s Anglican School Sports Arena, Oge, Ise Ekiti from Tuesday 25th of March, 2025 through Thursday the 17th of April 2025 by 2:00pm on Tuesdays , Wednesdays and Thursdays will feature local football teams and conservation enthusiasts to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the region’s natural heritage.
The Project Coordinator of the South/West Niger Delta Forest Project, Ms Rachel Ashegbofe Ikemeh explained that the organization was leveraging the power of sports, and expressed optimism that it will help inspire a new generation of conservationists and promote sustainable development in the region.
“The Akinluaduse Conservation Football Tournament is a unique opportunity to promote biodiversity conservation and raise awareness about the importance of preserving our natural heritage, hence we decided to employ the power of sports to promote the general public involvement in biodiversity conservation.” She said.
She emphasized the importance of conservation efforts in the region, adding that the group was committed to preserving wildlife for Community development.
“The SW/Niger Delta Forest Project is a registered non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting conservation of threatened wildlife species in Nigeria.,
The organization has been championing wildlife conservation since 2012 and in Ekiti State through a signed memorandum of understanding with the state government in 2021 we have committed to the management of Ise forest for the conservation of its biodiversity in a way that promote regeneration of the forest area and improving community livelihoods”. Ms Ikemeh remarked.
“In SW/Niger Delta Forest Project, we believe wildlife conservation is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems, preserving biodiversity and supporting human well-being. More to this, in this present day Nigeria, we strongly believe wildlife conservation is linked to human security, as neglected, unprotected, or poorly managed forest area can have detrimental effects on human security”. She added.
In his remarks the Ise Forest Conservation Area (IFCA) Programme Manager, Ms Seun Adejuwon, noted that Sports have the power to unite people and inspire positive change.
“We believe that this tournament will not only promote biodiversity conservation but also provide a platform for young people to showcase their football talents and promote sustainable development.” Adejuwon concluded.
The Akinluaduse Conservation Football Tournament is organized in partnership with Play For Nature, an NGO is expected to draw attention to the plight of endangered species in the region and mobilize public support for conservation efforts.
As the tournament progresses, the organizers are calling on the public to support the event and promote biodiversity conservation in the region.
The final match is scheduled to take place on Thursday 17th of April, 2025, and the winning team will receive a cash prize and a trophy.
Akinluaduse Conservation Football Tournament: Igniting Passion For Conservation
Call Seun: 0703-195-3107
Samuel: 0814-852-7768
