Akwa Ibom State Government is set to support wildlife Preservation in the state with the numerous gains of investment in wildlife, including recreation and export.
According to paulukpabio.com.ng, this was made known recently in Uyo, during a tour of Grace of God Villa along Ediene road, Afaha Idoro in the Akwa Ibom State capital by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Ini Ememobong.
Comrade Ini Ememobong who expressed government’s keen interest in the wildlife at the Biodiversity Preservation Centre of the villa said, with such income expectations from the venture coupled with the tourism value, government is ready to support the project.
“Moreso, the State government is committed to boosting the state economy by bolstering entrepreneurial development such as the Biodiversity Preservation Centre of Prof Eniang, the State Information helmsman emphasized”.
Leading the Commissioner and his entourage round the wildlife preservation Centre, Prof Edem Eniang, the manager of the Biodiversity Preservation Centre said Snakes can be exported as money spinning merchandise.
“One baby snake of a Python goes for as high as $400 in the US and even costlier than that in other places”, Prof Eniang said.
“Nigeria has 2000 snakes export quota per year, approved by United Nations, but the country does not even have up to 20 to export. Ghana and other West African countries ship snakes to Nigeria to make up its quota”, the Prof disclosed. He added that, the state needs a land, about five hectares, even if it’s in the ravine to breed Pythons for export.
Amongst the animals in captivity at the Biodiversity Preservation Centre are: Monkeys, Crocodiles, birds of all kinds, tortoise, fish and snakes. One of Eniang’s snakes that is particularly captivating is the “Ball Python”, known as “Ediye Asabo” in ibibio.
The tour was undertaken as part of the celebration of astounding Akwa Ibom indigenes to mark Akwa Ibom at 34 in which Prof Edem Eniang was one of the honourees.
On the entourage of the Information Commissioner were the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Inyang Jameson and directors from the Ministry.
