Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, former Senior Special Assistant on Tourism to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and Chairman of the BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative (BTPDI), has described the recent conferment of an award of recognition on Prof. Edem Eniang, Head of the Wildlife Ecology Unit in the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, University of Uyo, by The Environment Outreach Magazine as a significant milestone in his illustrious career.
Dr. Kiyaramo who doubles as National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN) praised Prof. Eniang’s outstanding contributions to wildlife and biodiversity conservation, stating that the award is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the field. He congratulated Prof. Eniang on this well-deserved recognition and expressed confidence that his work will continue to inspire others.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt over the weekend, Dr. Kiyaramo, the Special Assistant to the Managing Director of Niger Delta Basin Development Authority (NDBDA) on Blue Economy, noted that: “As a renowned expert in wildlife and biodiversity conservation, Prof. Eniang has made tremendous contributions to the field, and this award is a testament to his unwavering commitment and dedication.”
“Prof. Eniang, as a renowned Nigerian wildlife scientist and conservationist, has rediscovered several species previously thought to be extinct in Nigeria, including the Preuss’s Red Colobus Monkey and the Flying lizard, in addition receiving numerous international awards for his conservation efforts, including the Pan African Association for Zoos, Aquarium and Botanical Gardens (PAAZAB) 1st Conservation Award in 2002.
“He has published over 100 articles in peer-reviewed national and international journals, focusing on wildlife resources management and conservation.
Prof. Eniang has discovered eleven new animal species in Nigeria, including two Culubrid snakes, two Eel species, one Amphibian, and six Forest Gecko species. He has worked with local communities and international organizations to promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
“On behalf of Board of Trustees and the management team of BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative (BTPDI), I’m excited to felicitate with Prof.Eniang on this conferment on our very distinguished Board member by The Environment Outreach Magazine for his outstanding stewardship, unwavering commitment, consistency, advocacy, teaching, research, and relentless defence and preservation of wildlife and biodiversity in Nigeria and beyond.
“Prof. Eniang’s work in conservation has been exemplary, and his passion for protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage is contagious. Through his teaching, research, and advocacy, he has inspired a new generation of conservationists and has made a lasting impact on the country’s environmental landscape.
“This award is not just a recognition of Prof. Eniang’s individual achievements but also a testament to the impact of his work on the broader conservation community. His contributions to the field of wildlife and biodiversity conservation have earned him numerous accolades, and this latest recognition is a fitting tribute to his tireless efforts.
“As a member of the Board of Trustees of the BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative (BTPDI), Prof. Eniang’s achievement is a source of pride for the organization. His commitment to conservation and sustainable development aligns with BTPDI’s mission, and his expertise has been invaluable to the organization’s efforts to promote eco-tourism and community development in Nigeria.
“The BTPDI family joins the global community in celebrating Prof. Edem Eniang’s outstanding achievement. This award is a reminder that dedication, hard work, and passion can lead to remarkable success. We congratulate Prof. Eniang on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to his continued contributions to the field of conservation,” Dr. Kiyaramo maintained.
