Leatherback Turtle Rescue: NESREA Honours Lagos Monarch, Wildlife Foundation

BY CHIKA OKEKE, Abuja

Baale of Okun Igando, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Hon. Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye (2nd L); Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor and others during the agency's visit to Ibeju-Lekki community to present awards to the Monarch and Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative recently. 

The Director General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), Prof. Innocent Barikor has honoured the Baale of Okun Igando, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, Hon. Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, and Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, for the safe rescue and return of leatherback turtle to the sea. 

Leatherback turtle is an endangered specie protected under the National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations and listed under Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). 

The turtle was rescued and safely returned to its natural habitat after it was trapped in  fishermen's net. 

Following the incident, Jejelaiye stopped his community members from killing the turtle while awaiting the arrival of the wildlife foundation.

Barikor described the action as environmental heroism, adding that: "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.

"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 NESREA DG praised Green Fingers Wildlife International for its sensitisation and advocacy on wildlife conservation.

Letter of commendation to the organisation read: “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. 

"Your organisation’s prompt response, technical expertise, humane handling, and adherence to best practices in ensuring the turtle was safely assessed and returned to its natural habitat is highly commendable.”

Presenting awards of commendation to the Baale and Green Fingers Wildlife International, Barikor recalled that NESREA's 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 added.