Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Sunday, December 3, 2023, called for global partnership in implementing the state climate adaptation and resilience plan.
Sanwo-Olu made the appeal while speaking in Dubai at the side event organised by the Lagos government at the ongoing climate conference known as COP28.
The Lagos governor said the state had a huge potential in three critical areas, which the prospective partners could help to harness for global development.
The areas, the governor said, include waste management and recycling, public transportation and renewable energy.
These sectors, he noted, offer “huge opportunities” for reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices.
The governor called on climate financiers to move from talk to action, saying it requires concerted efforts to achieve the net-zero emission target.
“We are here as a government to have commitments, there are so many talks and now is the time for action, through partnership and investment,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He, however, expressed the support of the state to the national net zero emission target.
This support, he said, was part of the state’s broader commitment to combating climate change and improving environmental sustainability.
He said Lagos was not just passively supporting the target but is actively working towards it.
According to him, the state is ahead to achieve zero net carbon emissions both in terms of preparedness and strategic actions.
In a related development, the Kwara State Government says it will introduce climate education into the school curriculum in the state to entrench sustainable environment.
Dr. Adetola Salau, the Special Adviser on Education to Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, announced this on Sunday in Dubai on the sideline of COP28.
Climate education, Salau said, would play a pivotal role in achieving a sustainable state.
She said that it was imperative now to raise awareness about climate change across all age groups.
The governor’s aide outlined the key initiatives that the state had put in place to sensitise the public on practical steps to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability.
“We have to make sure that everyone, from young to old, is aware of climate change and understands the need to contribute to reducing their impact on the environment,” she stated.
“Sensitising people on what they can do to reduce carbon emissions, recycle waste and adopt sustainable practices is crucial,” she added.
On the collaborative approach to achieve this, Salau said efforts were ongoing with partners to establish channels for disseminating vital information.
“We are working with partners to create channels that provide people with the necessary information to understand how they can actively participate in the fight against climate change,” she explained.
She noted that the state government was committed towards a sustainable environment in the state.
“This aligns with the discussions at COP28, and we have initiated steps to integrate climate education into the primary and post-primary school curricula,” Salau said.
By Usman Aliyu
