The Wild Life Society of Nigeria on Tuesday in Wudil, Kano State honoured the late military governor of Kano State, CP Audu Bako, for establishing the Kano Zoological Garden during his tenure.
Bako established the zoo on the then outskirts of Kano city in 1972.
Among others honoured by the society was another former governor of the state and the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso.
Kwakanso was honoured for preserving and improving the Kano Zoological Garden during his two times as governor of 1999 to 2003 and 2011 to 2015.
These were part of the highlights of the 6th Annual Conference of the society organised in conjunction with the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil.
Hajiya Zainab Audu Bako received the Award on behalf of her late father, while the Kano State Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr Yusuf Kofar Mata, received the honour on behalf of Kwankwaso.
Declaring the conference open, Gov.Abba Yusuf underscored the significance of wildlife preservation.
He said protecting and nurturing of fauna and flora was a collective responsibility for economic development and protection of the environment.
Represented by Kofar Mata, Yusuf said there was the need for a stronger synergy with local hunters in wildlife conservation activities.
“The protection of the wildlife is a service not only to mankind but also to our creator, the Almighty. We need to do that”, he said.
The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Musa Yakasai, said the institution had comparative advantage in wildlife conservation over other universities as it initiated the establishment of a mini zoo on its campus.
He said the university with more than 28,000 students had all its courses fully accredited with state-of-the-art facilities.
“All our Programmes have attained full accreditation and our students are enjoying free internet service for easy learning,” Yakasai said.
The National President, Wildlife Society of Nigeria, Prof. Augustine Ogogo, said preservation of wildlife had become imperative as they offered both natural and economic opportunities in the society.
Ogogo stressed the need to preserve and protect wildlife as well as safeguard their heritage.
He called on governors whose states had zoological gardens and parks to ensure their protection and preservation.( NAN)
