Kiyaramo Celebrates Eniang’s Global Conservation Role at World Snake Congress
By Tams Jonah, ABUJA – The Chairman of the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative (BTPDI) and Convener/Founder of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, has congratulated Professor Edem Archibong Eniang on his participation as Nigeria’s sole representative at the inaugural World Congress on Snakes (WCS 2026) in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Kiyaramo, in a birthday message to the Executive Director of the Biodiversity Preservation Centre (BPC) and Professor of Wildlife Resources Management at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, described Eniang as a distinguished Nigerian conservationist whose over three decades of work in herpetology, primate conservation and endangered species protection have earned him international recognition.
Born on October 1, 1969, Prof. Eniang is among global experts attending the historic congress holding from October 1 to 4, 2026, at the Grand Kandyan Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital.
The four-day congress is the first international conference dedicated exclusively to snake biology, conservation and public health. It has brought together more than 500 researchers, ophiologists and medical experts from 25 countries, including over 300 international scientists and more than 100 local researchers.
Kiyaramo noted that Sri Lanka was chosen as the host country because of its exceptional reptilian biodiversity. The country is home to 112 snake species, with more than 56 per cent endemic to the island.
According to the Congress Chairperson and renowned herpetologist, Prof. Anslem de Silva, the congress positions Sri Lanka as a major global centre for snake research and conservation policy.
The programme features plenary sessions, symposia, workshops and field excursions covering 12 thematic areas, including snake biology and evolution, human-snake coexistence, snakebite management and toxicology, conservation genomics, artificial intelligence and citizen science, as well as the impact of climate change.
Kiyaramo said Prof. Eniang’s participation in the global gathering was a source of pride for BTPDI, Akwa Ibom State, the Niger Delta, Nigeria and the ABER, noting that it highlights the contribution of African expertise to global efforts in biodiversity conservation and addressing the snakebite crisis.
He described snakebite as a neglected tropical disease with devastating consequences, stressing the importance of international collaboration in research, prevention, treatment and conservation.
Kiyaramo also congratulated Prof. Eniang on his 57th birthday, wishing him a memorable celebration in Sri Lanka and a successful and impactful representation of Nigeria at the World Congress on Snakes.
