NESREA Honours Lagos Chief For Saving Endangered Sea Turtle

The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has honoured the Baale of Okun Igando, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Hon. Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, for stopping the killing of an endangered leatherback sea turtle and guaranteeing its protected return to its pure habitat.

The Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, offered an award of commendation to Jejelaiye and Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative on Wednesday, describing their intervention as an act of environmental heroism worthy of emulation by communities throughout the nation.

The turtle was rescued after fishermen caught it, with the standard ruler reportedly intervening to forestall group members from killing the animal whereas awaiting the arrival of the wildlife conservation organisation.

Commending the Baale, Barikor stated the group’s response demonstrated the essential function native leaders and residents may play in defending endangered species and preserving Nigeria’s biodiversity.

“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 chief stated.

In a letter of commendation, the company praised Jejelaiye for mobilising group members, safeguarding the animal, stopping its exploitation and promptly notifying the related environmental authorities to facilitate its correct dealing with and launch.

NESREA additionally recognised Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for its swift response, technical experience, humane dealing with of the turtle and dedication to wildlife sensitisation and conservation advocacy.

The leatherback sea turtle, the most important residing sea turtle species, is protected below 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), which imposes strict controls on worldwide industrial commerce in listed species.

Presenting the awards, Barikor harassed that defending wildlife was central to NESREA’s mandate, warning that the extinction of animal species may disrupt ecosystems and create wider environmental challenges.

He urged communities to help biodiversity conservation, including that the popularity of the Okun Igando conventional ruler and the wildlife organisation was meant to encourage related interventions and strengthen public consciousness of the necessity to shield endangered animals.

The company’s recognition of the rescue underscores the significance of group participation in wildlife safety, significantly in coastal areas the place interactions between fishing actions and marine animals can expose weak species to hurt.