NESREA's Barikor Honors Community Leaders for Turtle Rescue

On October 15, Prof. Innocent Barikor, the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), honored Hon. Chief Semiu Waliu Jejelaiye, the Baale of Okun Igando in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, and Green Fingers Wildlife International for their significant roles in rescuing an endangered leatherback sea turtle. The awards were presented to acknowledge their efforts in protecting the marine animal, which is the largest of all living sea turtle species and is protected under Nigeria’s National Environmental regulations and CITES.

The turtle was rescued after being caught by fishermen, and Chief Jejelaiye prevented community members from harming it, ensuring its safety until Green Fingers Wildlife International arrived to facilitate its return to its natural habitat. Prof. Barikor described the intervention as environmental heroism and pledged to use Okun Igando as a focal point for advocacy on endangered species conservation, commending both Jejelaiye and the organization for their swift and effective actions.