LAGOS/Nigeria: Wild Africa, an environmental NGO, has announced a partnership with award-winning conservationist, investor, and entrepreneur Nela Duke-Ekpenyong to enhance conservation efforts in Nigeria. This was revealed in a statement signed by Mr. Festus Iyorah, Wild Africa’s Representative in Nigeria, on Tuesday in Lagos.
Duke-Ekpenyong will serve as a Wild Africa Ambassador, using her platform to raise awareness about Nigeria’s dwindling biodiversity and contribute to the protection of iconic species from extinction.
“We are excited to have Duke-Ekpenyong on board as our latest Nigeria ambassador. She is a passionate conservationist with a deep understanding of the issues facing Nigeria’s wildlife and forests,” Iyorah stated.
“Her voice, expertise, and experience will contribute massively to protecting Nigeria’s biodiversity for future generations.”
Duke-Ekpenyong brings over a decade of entrepreneurial experience, having collaborated with prominent institutions focused on large-scale growth and development in Africa.
She is the co-founder and CEO of LEGA.C Capital, a multi-family office dedicated to supporting innovators, entrepreneurs, and affluent families. She also oversees Obudu Capital, a climate technology fund, and capacity-building program, channeling investments into climate technology projects across Africa.
Through her non-profit, the Obudu Conservation Centre (OCC), Duke-Ekpenyong has made significant contributions to environmental research and community development in the Obudu Plateau, one of the world’s most biodiverse regions. Her team at OCC has conducted pioneering research on the Preuss Guenon monkey and has been at the forefront of anti-poaching efforts in the area.
Duke-Ekpenyong joins other influential Nigerian ambassadors, including Davido, 2Baba, Mayorkun, Stephanie Linus, and footballer Alex Iwobi, in shifting public attitudes towards wildlife and the environment.
Speaking about her new role, Duke-Ekpenyong said, “Caring for nature has been part of my life’s purpose, and it is an honour to join Wild Africa to continue this shared vision to protect, preserve, and increase awareness of our wildlife and wild lands in Africa.”
Wild Africa is a conservation communication organization dedicated to inspiring public support and political will to protect Africa’s wildlife and wild spaces. Despite being home to species such as elephants, lions, and a unique species of gorilla, Nigeria faces significant threats from poaching, deforestation, and the illegal wildlife trade.
The country has also become a global transit hub for trafficking ivory and pangolin scales, further endangering its wildlife heritage.
