The Lagos State Government is partnering the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) for the 18th “Walk for Nature”, to promote nature conservation.
The 2024 edition of the ‘Walk for Nature’ is scheduled for Saturday, October 19.
The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, at a joint news conference on Wednesday, October 15, reiterated the state government’s mandate to plant one million trees in 12 months.
Wahab said the gesture was geared towards nature conservation and improving the quality of lives of Lagosians.
Wahab said the government would not focus only on tree planting but a sustainable policy that supports the mandate.
He explained that the walk aims at promoting a healthy lifestyle and improve physical fitness of the participants.
He added that the NCF had been collaborating with the state government since 2008.
According to him, the theme of the 2024 walk: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” with the slogan – Our land, our future generation restoration, is apt.
He said that theme was in tandem with the tree planting mandate of the state.
“I will 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,” Wahab said.
The commissioner said the collaboration with the NCF has been promoting environmental awareness and advocacy on conservation matters in the state.
He said the benefits derivable from the programme include but not limited to showing concerns and raising awareness in conservation matters.
He explained that the programme over the years has continued to create awareness and sensitise Lagosians on the importance of nature conservation.
He added other benefits as promotion of biodiversity as well as increasing the environmental health of the state through reduction of vehicular emission.
Wahab said the event over the years brought about a great deal of consciousness amongst Lagosians on the Island.
“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: 15a.m.,” Wahab said.
In his remarks, the Director–General of the NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, expressed confidence that the collaboration with the Lagos State Government had yielded a positive reorientation.
Onoja said that the collaboration enhanced the advocacy for nature conservation.
While referencing the United Nations, Onoja said that we were in the decade of eco-system restoration.
He stressed the urgency to draw peoples’ attention to the reality of environmental conservation.
He urged Lagos residents to come out enmass on Saturday to join the 3km walk.
“Everyone must know that we live in precarious times and be ready to protect nature so that nature in turn can protect human existence,” Onoja said.
Dignitaries present at the briefing included the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr Omobolaji Gaji.
Others were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Mr Mahamood Adegbite, top officials from the NCF and the ministry of environment.
By Fabian Ekeruche
