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Lagos State Commissioner for Environment, Tokunbo Wahab
The Lagos State Government has said that the mandate to plant a million trees in 12 months is geared towards nature conservation and improving the quality of life of Lagosians.
Speaking during a joint media briefing by the Ministry of the Environment and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, preparatory to the 18th edition of the Annual Walk for Nature, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said it is not only about planting trees but also about having a sustainable policy that supported the mandate.
The commissioner who addressed the media alongside the Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Onoja, on Wednesday, said Lagos State in conjunction with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation is set to hold the 2024 18th edition of the annual “Walk for Nature” on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
He explained that the walk aims at promoting healthy lifestyles and improving the physical fitness of the participants, saying NCF has been collaborating with the state government since 2008.
He said the theme for each year, coined from the theme of the year’s World Environment Day, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” with the slogan – our land, our future generation, restoration, is apt as it supports the tree planting mandate.
“I would like to re-emphasise to our people that greening is to conserve the environment and it is for the future hence we believe that a million trees in 12 months is not too much; it is a long target but we believe it is achievable.
“Collaboration with NCF has in no small measure been promoting environmental awareness and advocacy on conservation matters in the State, showcasing the excellent results of the Government in its environmental policies. The benefits derived from this programme include but are not limited to showing concerns and raising awareness in conservation matters through partnership and collaboration with the Private sectors and non-governmental organisations in compliance with SDG 17.”
He explained that the programme over the years had continued to create awareness and sensitise Lagosians on the importance of Nature Conservation, Biodiversity as well as increasing the environmental health of the State through the reduction of vehicular emission.
Wahab asserted that the event over the years had also brought about a great deal of consciousness amongst Lagosians on the Island which is one of the 5 divisions of the State and has been diversified to various local Governments in the past to enlighten the citizenry on the importance of environmental protection and conservation.
“I therefore invite you all to join us and participate in this year’s exercise. This year’s programme will be commemorated with a 3km walk that will take off from Onikan Stadium, Onikan Lagos at 7:15 am,” he said.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr Joseph Onoja, said that he was confident that the collaboration had over the years yielded a positive reorientation and has enhanced the advocacy for Nature Conservation.
He said, “According to the United Nations, this decade is the decade of ecosystem restoration, adding that it is imminent at this time to draw peoples’ attention to the reality of Environmental conservation.
He urged residents of Lagos to come out en masse on Saturday to join the 3km walk saying everyone must know that we live in precarious times and be ready to protect Nature so that Nature in turn can protect human existence.
