In a commendable act of wildlife preservation, the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has honoured Chief Semiu Jejelaiye, the traditional ruler of Okun Igando in Lagos, for saving an endangered leatherback sea turtle from being killed by community members.
The rare sea turtle was initially captured by local fishermen. Recognizing the importance of protecting wildlife, Chief Jejelaiye intervened and prevented residents from harming the creature while awaiting the arrival of conservation experts.
NESREA also recognised the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for its swift response, technical expertise, and humane handling of the turtle, ensuring its safe return to its natural ocean habitat.
The commendation was announced in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by Mrs. Nwamaka Ejiofor, Assistant Director of Press at NESREA.
Presenting the awards, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, praised Chief Jejelaiye for mobilising his community, shielding the animal from exploitation, and promptly alerting environmental authorities.
“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,” Barikor stated, praising the community’s swift action as a model for biodiversity conservation.
Prof. Barikor highlighted that the leatherback is the world’s largest living sea turtle species and is currently classified as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Furthermore, the species receives strict protection under Nigeria’s National Environmental (Protection of Endangered Species in Domestic and International Trade) Regulations as well as Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Reiterating NESREA’s core mandate to safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecosystem balance, and prevent species extinction, Barikor lauded both the traditional ruler and Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative for their dedication to public sensitisation and environmental stewardship.
