The Conservator-General of the National Park Service (NPS), Dr. Ibrahim Musa Goni, has called for increased support for the recycling of plastic waste in Nigeria’s coastal areas to create wealth and protect sea turtles from pollution, loss of habitat, hunting, and extinction.
Dr. Goni made the call on Wednesday at an awareness programme organised by the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos. The event aimed to raise awareness on the importance of sea turtles, their challenges, and the need for their protection in Nigeria.
As a special guest, the Conservator-General commended the Initiative for choosing students as key stakeholders to drive the campaign for the protection and conservation of sea turtles. He said involving young people in such advocacy would help address issues of hope, trust, and sustainability in wildlife conservation.
Dr. Goni added that he was inspired by the students’ exhibitions, which illustrated the importance of sea turtles to the ecosystem and highlighted the need to stop ocean pollution to protect marine life. He urged the students to sustain their advocacy until tangible results are achieved.
He also used the occasion to educate students on the difference between national parks, forests, and game reserves, explaining that national parks are managed by the federal government, while forest and game reserves are managed by state governments. He noted that Nigeria is blessed with several national parks across all geopolitical zones except the South-East, which is yet to have one.
According to him, for a forest or game reserve to be upgraded to a national park, the state governor must initiate the process by writing to the federal government. Once approved, the area is handed over to the National Park Service.
Dr. Goni emphasized that the event’s theme, “Sea Turtle Awakening,” aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to strengthen national and food security while driving economic diversification and inclusive growth through environmental conservation.
Earlier, the Director of the Green Fingers Wildlife Conservation Initiative, Mr. Chinedu Mogbo, expressed gratitude to the CG and other guests for attending the event despite their busy schedules. He said their presence would inspire students and participants to join the campaign to save Nigeria’s oceans and sea turtles.
The programme featured inspiring speeches and discussions from notable personalities including the Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja; Professor Kehinde Kemabonta; and Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi. Other activities included a sea turtle exhibition, debates, and drama presentations.