The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has expanded its campaign against vulture decline and Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) by engaging some celebrities in the crusade.

A new set of campaign ambassadors, Mariam Longe, Co-host of TVC YourView; Seun Akindele, Nollywood actor; and Yvonne Jegede, Nollywood actor were inaugurated recently.

NCF 2017 commenced a project tagged “Save Vulture Campaign”, an effort targeted at sensitizing the public about the conservation of vulture species and the adverse effect of its extinction on human health and the economy. In expanding the scope of this campaign, an intensive battle against the IWT has been integrated into it to help harmony and synergize strategies and efforts at achieving a better result.

The Foundation had engaged some other personalities in the past on the same cause. They were Frank Donga (Comedian), Yomi Fash-Lanso (Movie Producer/Actor), Tito da fire (Musician/OAP) and Seyi Asurf (Movie Producer).

According to the head, communications NCF, Oladapo Soneye, the three new ambassadors were selected based on their cloud of influence on the teeming youths and impact in the entertainment industry.

Director-General of NCF, represented by Mr. Uche Achunine, Director of Business Development and Communications in his welcome address highlighted the essence of the campaign vis-à-vis importance of involving celebrities. He further revealed that the drive to save wildlife critically being endangered, especially vulture species is considered urgent and of utmost concern for all.

Mariam Longe in her response revealed that being an ambassador for this campaign in the past 2 years motivated her to publish a book to the delight of children, a well-illustrated colorful book titled “Vultures to the rescue! cleanup crew”.

Seun Akindele while appreciating this opportunity to serve as a campaign ambassador shared that his visit to Gambia where he saw birds flying all over, including vultures left him wondering what happen to Nigeria and why some species of birds are fast disappearing.

The ambassadors pledged their commitment to the project.

Save Vulture project is funded by EU-Life and United States Fish and Wildlife Services.