The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has honoured the Baale of Okun Igando, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, and Green Fingers Wildlife International for rescuing a leatherback sea turtle and returning it safely to its natural habitat.
NESREA Director-General, Prof. Innocent Barikor, presented the awards on Wednesday, praising their efforts to protect the turtle after fishermen caught it.
Jejelaiye reportedly stopped community members from killing the animal while awaiting the arrival of the wildlife conservation group, which helped ensure its safe handling and release.
Barikor described the intervention as “environmental heroism” and said NESREA would use the community to promote awareness about endangered species.
In a letter of commendation, he praised Jejelaiye for mobilising residents, preventing the turtle’s exploitation and notifying relevant environmental authorities.
The agency also commended Green Fingers Wildlife International for its prompt response, technical expertise and wildlife conservation advocacy.
“At the Agency, our mandate includes protecting biodiversity, maintaining the ecosystem and ensuring that no animal goes extinct,” Barikor said.
The leatherback is the world’s largest living sea turtle and is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List.
It is also protected under Nigeria’s endangered-species regulations and Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
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