By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor, has honoured the Baale of Okun Igando in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Hon. Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, and Green Fingers Wildlife International for their roles in rescuing and returning an endangered leatherback sea turtle to its natural habitat.
Prof. Barikor presented the awards of commendation on Wednesday, fulfilling his promise to recognise the community leader and the wildlife conservation organisation for their efforts to protect the marine animal from harm.
The leatherback turtle, the largest of all living sea turtle species, is protected under Nigeria’s National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations and listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The turtle was rescued after being caught by fishermen. Chief Jejelaiye intervened by preventing community members from killing the animal and kept it safe while awaiting the arrival of Green Fingers Wildlife International, which facilitated its safe return to its natural habitat.
Speaking during the award presentation, Prof. Barikor described the intervention as an act of environmental heroism and pledged to use Okun Igando as a focal point for advocacy on endangered species conservation.
“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,” he said.
In a letter of commendation to Chief Jejelaiye, the NESREA Director-General praised his prompt intervention, community mobilisation and commitment to wildlife protection.
“Your swift action in mobilizing 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.
Prof. Barikor also commended Green Fingers Wildlife International for its sustained sensitisation and advocacy efforts in promoting wildlife conservation, particularly its professional response to the turtle rescue.
In its letter to the organisation, NESREA described the leatherback turtle as a species of conservation concern, noting its listing as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, as well as its protection under Appendix I of CITES and Nigeria’s endangered-species regulations.
The agency praised the organisation’s prompt response, technical expertise, humane handling of the animal and adherence to established conservation practices, which ensured that the turtle was safely assessed and returned to its natural habitat.
Reaffirming NESREA’s commitment to biodiversity protection, Prof. Barikor said the agency’s mandate included safeguarding wildlife, preserving ecosystems and preventing species extinction.
“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 collaboration between environmental authorities, conservation organisations and local communities in protecting endangered wildlife and preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity.
