Ebenezer Eyituoyo Ofuya

Ebenezer is an ecologist, conservationist and nature enthusiast, with a special interest in endangered primate species conservation. He holds a Bachelor of Agricultural Technology (B. Agric. Tech.) degree in Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, Masters of Agricultural Technology (M. Agric. Tech) and PhD degree in Biodiversity Management (2018 and 2024 respectively) from the Federal University of Technology Akure. He also served as a Teaching Assistant in the above department and institution.

Since 2022, he has been working with the Obudu Conservation Centre (OCC) to conserve the endangered Preuss’s monkey (Allochrocebus preussi) and protect its habitat on the highlands of the Obudu plateau. Through a series of engagements with the local communities of the Plateau, he has been able to garner local support for the protection of primate species and their habitat in the region.

Ebenezer continues to advocate for assistance from the Government, NGOs and individuals in the form of donations and grants to support alternative livelihood programmes in these local communities to reduce their dependence on forest resources and further strengthen conservation programs in the region.

Ebenezer was part of the Global Environments Summer Academy (GESA 2024) fellowship. He is a member of the American Primatological Society (ASP) and Nigerian Primatological Society (NPS).