Wildlife Weekly

It’s always in the news. The public hears it quite often. But what exactly is climate change and how can we help the public make sense of this complex term?

In this episode, Oiza spoke to Olumide Idowu, aka  Mr. Climate, who is a campaigner and climate change activist as well as Host, The Climate Talk Podcast Seyifunmi Adebote

Mangroves are rare, spectacular and prolific ecosystems on the boundary between land and sea. Mangroves contribute to the wellbeing, food security, and protection of coastal communities worldwide. Mangroves also act as a form of natural coastal defense against storm surges, tsunamis, rising sea levels and erosion. Yet mangroves are disappearing three to five times faster than overall global forest losses.

In this episode, Oiza had a chat with Jerry Chidi, documentary photographer,  who is raising awareness on the importance of mangroves as unique, special and vulnerable ecosystems & promotes solutions for their conservation and use.

Vulture populations on the African continent have plummeted catastrophically over the last 50 years, with some species declining by as much as 97%. Seven of the eleven African vulture species are at risk of extinction. In West Africa there is high demand for vulture parts, majorly driven by belief-based use. In some communities, vulture heads are erroneously thought to contain mystic powers and are used in making traditional charms and medicine. In Nigeria, vultures are also sold in markets as food and protein supplements. Vulture eggs are also highly sought for money-making rituals and are believed to cure madness and various ailments. The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has been engaging traditional healers with the aim of raising awareness about plant-based alternatives to vulture parts.

In this episode, Oiza spoke to Dr. Stella Egbe, Species Conservation Manager, Nigeria Conservation Foundation.

Mr. Oladapo Soneye, Communications Officer at

Plastic Pollution has become a menace in Lagos, South west, Nigeria with drainages, canals, lagoon and ocean filled with different colours, shapes and sizes of plastics which result in flooding of roads, streets and homes eventually leading to loss of life and property.

In commemorating World Environment Day with the theme"Solutions to Plastic Pollution", Oiza speaks with Doyinsola Ogunye, founder of RESWAYE, a recycling initiative in Lagos and Benedicta Ikemefuna, a young heroine volunteering and contributing her efforts to curbing Plastic Pollution in Lagos, Nigeria.

Nigeria has become a hub for the illegal export of pangolin scales and ivory. Why is this a problem and why should I care? This question will guide this episode wherein we will explore ongoing efforts to stop the illegal trade. Oiza had an enlightening conversation with a senior official of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency.

The “Big Five” is a term that is used to refer to the 5 African animals that early big game hunters considered most difficult and dangerous animals to hunt on foot in Africa. These animals include the lions, leopards, elephants, African buffalo, and rhinoceroses This week’s show will share interesting facts about the Big Five to impress the audience and then get them to understand that some have gone or are on the verge of extinction in Nigeria. It is crucial to understand the role of the Big Five in driving tourism while pushing the audience to act to protect them and other wildlife.

In this episode, Oiza visited the Old Oyo National Park, considered as a mixed heritage site with outstanding natural and cultural values. Interviews with rangers and the park management. It is the closest park to Lagos and worth exploring and bringing to the attention of Lagosians.

For this episode, we went in search of young people working to protect the environment, whether from plastic pollution or supporting conservation efforts across Lagos.

We found Benedicta, a student of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.

Oiza interviews her on her activities around curbing plastic pollution as she tells the story of the tragic incident that spurred her to become an environmentalist.

There are growing fears among conservationists that vultures are facing extinction. This is particularly troubling when you consider that vultures are among the most adaptable of all the world’s birds and have learned to live alongside human beings, serving as the clean-up squads in urban and rural areas alike.  

In this episode, Oiza speaks to Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Owner of Lufasi Nature Park he spoke on the threats facing vultures and implored Nigerians to see the vulture in a more positive light and as a vital contributor to the ecosystem that needs to be protected.