OUR MANDATE TO PLANT A MILLION TREES IN 12 MONTHS IS ABOUT ENHANCING NATURE CONSERVATION – LASG

… As Environment Ministry Partners NCF for 18th Walk for Nature on Saturday 

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday reiterated that the mandate to plant a million trees in 12 months is geared towards Nature Conservation and improving the quality of lives of Lagosians.

Speaking during a joint media briefing by the Ministry of the Environment and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) preparatory to the 18th edition of the Annual Walk for Nature, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said it’s not all always only about planting trees but a sustainable policy that supports the mandate. 

The Commissioner, who addressed the media alongside the Director-General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr. Joseph Onoja at the  Conference room of the Ministry, said Lagos State, in conjunction with Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), 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 physical fitness of the participants, stressing that NCF has  been collaborating with the State Government since 2008.

He said the theme for each year which is 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” he said. 

The Commissioner said the collaboration with NCF has in no small measure been promoting environmental awareness and advocacy on conservation matters in the State while showcasing the excellent results of the Government in its environmental policies.

He added that the benefits derivable 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 stressed that the programme is in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 17 that a successful sustainable development agenda requires partnerships between governments, the private sector and civil society.

He explained that the programme over the years has continued to create awareness and sensitise Lagosians on the importance of Nature Conservation and biodiversity as well as increasing the environmental health of the State through the reduction of vehicular emission.

Wahab said the event over the years has also brought about a great deal of consciousness amongst Lagosians on the Island which is one of the five 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 3 km 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 is confident that the collaboration has 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 mass on Saturday to join the 3 km walk, adding everyone must know that we live in precarious times and be ready to protect Nature so that Nature in turn can protect human existence. 

Dignitaries in attendance at the briefing include the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, top officials from NCF, environmental enthusiasts as well as Directors in the Ministry, among others.