FOCUS ON TREE PLANTING TO MITIGATE CLIMATE CHANGE CHALLENGES – LASG CHARGES RESIDENTS
… Commences Celebrations of 2024 World Environment Day With Sensitisation Walk
Lagos State Government on Thursday reiterated the urgent need for everyone to focus on tree planting to contribute to efforts at mitigating climate change and creating a sustainable environment.
The Special Adviser on Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu stated this after a Sensitisation Walk to herald the celebrations for the Year 2024 World Environment Day, stressing that the Day is celebrated globally to raise awareness and support accelerated progress on global commitments, including protecting land and sea for nature and restoration of the planet.
On the theme of the celebration: “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience”, he emphasised the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring a safe and green economy for all.
Rotimi-Akodu also explained that tree planting is essential as a means of combating Climate change challenges such as desertification, drought and erosion amongst others.
He said Lagosians must applaud the achievement of the State Government in the Greening and Restoration of Indigenous Tree project towards curbing climate change challenges.
“We need to have a change in attitude to protect our environment because it is our land and our future”, he said.
Receiving the Sensitisation Walk procession at the JJT Park, Alausa, by the Chairman, the House Committee on Environment, Hon. Olanrewaju Afinni said people must no longer be allowed to deface the environment and for a more proactive approach to protecting land and the ecosystem.
“We have to embrace the earth, not minding that we sometimes have natural disasters but with proper planning and programmes like the World Environment Day, we can always be ready for any form of disaster be it natural or man-made”, he said.
The Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji said over the years, the Ministry has recorded tremendous achievements in removing obstacles on land and waterways and has planted more trees to combat climate change.
“The earth is home to us all and we must treat it with care and keep it habitable for the present and future generations”, Gaji explained.