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The Lagos State Government has emphasized the critical role of partnerships between government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations in addressing Nigeria's environmental challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab made this assertion at a press conference announcing the 'Walk for Nature' rally, an annual event organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, and his Ministry.
This year's programme will begin at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island, on Saturday, October 19th, 2024.
Mr Wahab stressed the need for collaborative efforts to tackle climate change, flooding, and biodiversity loss, highlighting the rally's alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 17.
"The Nigerian Conservation Foundation has since 2008 been in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to enlighten the citizenry of the importance of environmental protection and conservation through the Walk for Nature Programme.
"The programme is in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 17, that a successful Sustainable Development Agenda requires partnership between governments, the private sector and civil society,
"The collaboration has helped in no small measure in promoting environmental awareness and advocacy on conservation matters in the States.
" This collaboration has been going on for the past 18 years, and we have observed the programme every third Saturday in October.
" The theme for this year is coming from the theme of the World Environment Day 2024 theme- that is Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience, with the slogan, our land, our future", said Wahab.
"The event over the years, has created a great deal of consciousness among residents on the Island, which is one of the 5 divisions of Lagos State, and has been diversified to various governments in the years. This year's programme will be commemorated with a 3km walk that will take off from Onikan stadium", he added.
The Commissioner pointed out that the protection and conservation of the 78 hectares of wetland in Lekki by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation has helped immensely in the mitigation of climate change as he pledged the government's continued partnership with the foundation.
He employed Lagosians and organisations to identify with the Walk for Nature rally on Saturday, 19th October,2 24, saying "We must ensure that all individuals, communities and organisations engage proactively in the awareness campaign and advocacy focusing on greening Lagos and protecting our ecological balance.
"Let us all be assured that the state government will not relent in our efforts and commitment to the Sustainable Developmental Goals. I therefore invite you all to join us and participate in the exercise as well as adopt a renewed sense of purpose".
Wahab appealed to the media to amplify calls for environmental awareness and pledged the state government's commitment to enforcing regulations.
Dr Joseph Onoja, NCF Director General, emphasised the collective responsibility of environmental protection and urged the Lagos State government to prioritise wetland conservation and implement the 25% land allocation for greening policy.
Onoja explained that the theme of the Walk for Nature rally underscores the need for immediate actions against the worsening impacts of climate change and associated disasters.
He admitted that "The state government has been very supportive of the things that we do, especially under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Wahab.
"Under your leadership, we've seen a lot of proactive measures that have been taking place. And so it is time for us to collaborate and continue to create awareness about what we have at hand, especially this year's Walk for Nature which has the same theme as World Environment Day.
" We continue to call people's attention to what is happening in terms of land restoration, which happens to be the decade of ecosystem restoration, according to the UN which is why we need to continue to call people's attention to that reality that when you talk about land restoration, ecosystem service protection or environmental conservation, You're talking about human conservation, because the environment will always conserve itself. That is why this programme has created an opportunity for us to bring that awareness so that together, not just those of us who are in the environment sector, every citizen of Lagos State, every citizen of Nigeria, will be able to put hands together so that We'll be able to protect nature and nature in turns will protect us.
"This year's theme, Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience calls our attention to the fact that we are living in a precarious time, especially when it comes to how our climate is changing. And we are happy with the partnership we have with the Lagos state government". There are some very tough decisions that need to be taken. But those tough decisions are for the betterment of everyone", Onoja said.
The event drew high-level attendees, including directors from various agencies and departments under the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, permanent secretaries, and Uchenna Achunine, Director of Business Development and Communication at the NCF.
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