The Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Innocent Barikor, has honoured the Baale of Okun Igando, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Semiu Jejelaiye, and Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for their roles in rescuing and returning an endangered leatherback sea turtle to its natural habitat.
The awards of commendation were presented in recognition of the exemplary environmental stewardship demonstrated by the community leader and the wildlife conservation organisation following an incident in which the turtle was caught by fishermen.
Chief Jejelaiye reportedly intervened to prevent community members from killing the animal while awaiting the arrival of Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, which subsequently responded to the situation and facilitated the turtle’s safe return to its natural habitat.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Seeks Stronger Laws, Sanctions Against Wildlife Crimes
Speaking at the award presentation, Prof. Barikor described the intervention as an act of environmental heroism, commending the Traditional Ruler and his community for protecting a threatened specie.
“We are here to honour you and your community for this act and to tell you that we will use this community as a point of action in advocacy on endangered species,” the NESREA boss said.
In a letter of commendation addressed to Chief Jejelaiye, the agency praised his swift intervention, mobilisation of community members and timely notification of relevant environmental authorities.
“Your swift action in mobilising community members, ensuring the safety of the animal, preventing its exploitation, and promptly notifying relevant environmental authorities for proper handling and release back into its natural habitat is a demonstration of true environmental stewardship,” the letter stated.
NESREA also commended Greenfingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for its continued efforts to promote wildlife conservation through public sensitisation, advocacy and practical intervention.
The agency highlighted the ecological importance of the leatherback turtle and praised the group’s technical expertise and professional handling of the rescue operation.
“The leatherback is the largest of all living sea turtles, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and protected under Appendix I of CITES and the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations,” the Agency said.
It added that the organisation’s prompt response, technical expertise, humane handling and adherence to best practices helped ensure that the turtle was safely assessed and returned to its natural habitat.
The leatherback sea turtle is among the wildlife species afforded protection under Nigeria’s environmental regulations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), which lists the species in Appendix I, restricting international commercial trade of the animal.
Presenting the awards, Prof. Barikor reaffirmed NESREA’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and the protection of wildlife, stressing that the survival of animal species is closely linked to the health and stability of the environment.
“At the Agency, our mandate includes protecting biodiversity, maintaining the ecosystem and ensuring that no animal goes extinct, because if they become extinct, the environment begins to suffer some challenges. I commend you all for your action in supporting biodiversity conservation,” he said.
The recognition underscores the importance of community participation in wildlife protection and the role of conservation organisations in supporting local efforts to safeguard threatened species.
