By ibrahima yakubu
The Kaduna State Climate Change Elders Forum (kSCCEF) has called for urgent and coordinated action to protect wildlife from extinction, warning that biodiversity loss poses serious environmental and economic risks to communities across the state and Nigeria at large.
The call was made to mark this year’s World Wildlife Day 3th March 2026 as the Forum urged governments, conservationists, environmental journalists, and community stakeholders to step up efforts to safeguard endangered species and natural habitats.
In a statement made available to the press, the National Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Idris Musa (Shatiman Gundumar Tudun Wada Kaduna), described the rapid disappearance of wildlife as a “clear signal of ecological distress.”
“Wildlife protection is not optional; it is a moral, environmental, and economic necessity,” Musa said. “The extinction of species threatens food security, disrupts ecosystems, and weakens climate resilience. Immediate action is required to halt this dangerous trend.”
The elders blamed deforestation, illegal logging, poaching, land degradation, and climate change for the increasing pressure on forest reserves and wildlife habitats in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
The Forum called on federal and state governments to strengthen enforcement of wildlife protection laws, increase funding for conservation programmes, and integrate biodiversity protection into climate policies and development planning.
It also urged conservation organisations to expand community-based initiatives and support habitat restoration efforts, while charging wildlife journalists and media practitioners to intensify public awareness campaigns and expose environmental crimes.
Traditional leaders and youth groups were encouraged to mobilise grassroots support for tree planting, forest protection, and responsible land-use practices.
According to the Forum, protecting wildlife is closely linked to climate action, economic sustainability, and intergenerational responsibility.
“As elders, we have a duty to guide society toward responsible stewardship of our natural heritage,” Musa added. “Protecting wildlife today safeguards our environment and secures the future of generations yet unborn.”
The Kaduna State Climate Change Elders Forum reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with stakeholders to advance climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development across the state.
While thanking kaduna State for creating kaduna State climate change accountability mechanism
