• LAGOS ADVOCATES EMBRACE OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR ABATTOIR OPERATORS

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    …Holds 1 Day workshop for Slaughter Houses and Abattoir Operators

    Lagos State Government on Thursday engaged owners of slaughterhouses and Abattoir Operators to embrace the process of circular economy, where waste generated in Abattoirs will be converted into other uses as a means to tackle various global challenges.

    This call was made by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello during a one day workshop on Environmental Management in Abattoirs and Slaughter Houses in Lagos State, themed “Circular Economy: Conversion of Abattoir Waste to wealth ” held at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alausa, Ikeja.

    Tunji Bello represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji added that such global challenges which need to be tackled include climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, pollution amongst others.

    He explained that routine monitoring of the Abattoirs and Slaughter houses/slabs by officials of this Ministry has established that over 3000 cattles are slaughtered daily in over 50 identified Slaughter Slabs/Houses across the State.

    “It has been observed that operators of these facilities often have difficulties in disposing, treating and processing the waste generated in an environmentally acceptable manner thereby allowing untreated wastewater to eventually finds its way into the natural water bodies.

    He added that poor handling of other wastes such as the Cow dung, bones, blood and others result in different degrees of environmental degradation and pollution.

    He added that also associated with the poor waste management in Abattoirs is biodiversity loss that affects the food chain, increase the Bio – chemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) of the natural water bodies due to promotion of bacterial growth thereby depriving other aquatic organisms of the much needed oxygen for survival.

    He stressed that poor animal waste management contributed to environmental pollution such as underground water pollution, air pollution, odour nuisance, soil pollution leading to transmission of diseases to human. (Zoonosis).

    He said the accumulation of Cow dungs, Paunch contents and bones would encourage the build-up of methane gas, Green House Gas that causes depletion of the ozone layer and invariably causes global warming.

    He maintained that the consequence of the poor management of waste from the operations of the abattoir facilities constitute a high risk to the sustainability of the Environment as well as public health.

    He stated that the present administration led by Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has proactively put the issues of the environment at a very prominent place in its policy thrust and has remained committed to it.

    He recalled that the world recently celebrated the environment day with the theme, “Only One Earth”, underscoring the fact that there is no other planet available to all and so everyone need to take care of the only one Earth.

    He emphasized that now more than ever, matters that affect the environment have become the focus of every government that cares for the welfare of its people and the future generation.

    He said the destructive action on the environment needs to be reversed with utmost urgency and everyone have a role to play to reverse the unsafe practices that impact negatively on the environment and imbibe more sustainable practices.

    He said the workshop expected to afford participants the opportunity to turn waste to economically useful products that will reduce their operation cost as well as increase their revenue.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the representative of the Permanent Secretary, Director of Sanitation Services Department, Dr. Hassan Sanuth said the workshop was designed to educate and encourage participants to adopt best available methods in the management of operational by-products and eliminate the negative impacts of abattoir operations on the environment.

    He urged everyone to make efforts to ensure that the environment that would be bequeathed to the future generations remains as livable as people are living in it today or try to improve for better.

    In her lecture, the Guest Lecturer, Dr Margret Owolabi speaking on the topic converting Bone and Blood to viable products said an average yield of 10 -20kg of blood can be derived from 1 cow saying that cow blood is very high in Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Calcium.

    She said animal blood can be used as fertilizers as well as mixed with animal feed while bone is also made into Gelatin, Glue and bone meal adding that Abattoir Operators need to collaborate with investors for high tech value addition for local and export purposes.

    She concluded that efficient treatment of animal by-products encourage rapid hygienic disposal of waste thus avoiding decomposition and formation of obnoxious odour.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE &WR
    June 23, 2022

  • LAGOS SEEKS PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNERSHIP ON CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

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    Lagos State Government on Thursday convened the first edition of Lagos Climate Change Business Meeting with the organised private sector, sharing her vision in advancing Climate Action in the State.

    Speaking at the roundtable talk held at Ebony Life Place, Victoria Island, the State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello said government as an enabler is keen on partnering with the private sector to confront climate change.

    He added that the several mitigation and Adaptation measures adopted by government could be embraced by the private to improve their productivity, profit and make the state more liveable.

    Represented by the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, he said the State Government has deemed it necessary to begin to have conversations to co-opt the private sector into the Lagos Climate Action initiative.

    He revealed that climate change is now more of a developmental issue which requires the collaborative effort of Government, The Organized Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations, The Academia and all relevant stakeholders.

    Bello said Government in year 2021 launched its Climate Action Plan which is expected to equip the State to take decisive and impact-oriented action to address the development challenges it faces in the pursuit of sustainable low-carbon and climate-resilient socio-economic development.

    “In as much as we are aware of the threat climate change poses to the environment, the economy and livelihoods, we also need to begin to view climate change through the prism of the opportunities it presents in the areas of job creation, attraction of direct investments, healthcare improvements, waste to energy initiatives, sustainable infrastructure development, and renewable energy investments” he adviced.

    Bello gave an example of the result from the Greenhouse Gas Emission Inventory conducted by the Ministry which revealed that the energy sector contributes the highest emission, while Lagos receives less than12,000MWh daily from the National grid which is about 6.25%.

    “Even if we compare generator cost of N130/ KWh with a grid cost of N50/ KWh , the cost associated with burning fossil fuel by residents and businesses in the State for energy generation daily is estimated at a staggering sum of 14.4 Billion Naira daily and N5.3 Trillion annually . This value currently spent on non-renewable energy sources can be channeled into renewable energy sources with potential savings made” he revealed.

    He said this is a decade of action and it is important to collectively begin to mobilize necessary support and resources to embark on transformative actions on Climate Change adding that this will enable a shift towards green economic growth, develop our adaptive capacity towards climate change and also achieve emission neutrality.

    He however express optimism that with the initiation of the meeting, collaboration on Climate Action will be established and sustained to effectively deliver on the goals of the Lagos Climate Action Plan in the Energy, Waste and Transport Sectors.

    Speaking at the event, the Head and General Manager Sustenability at Dangote Cement, Igazeuma Okoroba commended the initiative of the State Government on the parley, promising Dangote coy’s commitment to its sustenance.

    She said when Government shares its vision as an enabler, the private will be more to participate actively in such venture just like Dangote Cement did with the 8th Lagos Climate Change Summit last year.

    The meeting also had in attendance reresentatives from Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance(FBRA), banks, multinational companies and agencies of the State Government.

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    June 16, 2022

  • LAGOS LAUNCHES SANITATION HYGIENE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

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    The Lagos State Government on Wednesday launched a Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement Project to improve good hygiene behaviors amongst the vulnerable in the state.

    The Permanent Secretary Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Nurudeen Shodeinde during the launching at the Amber Residence GRA, Ikeja said that the program is aimed to educate the residents of two selected LCDA Ikorodu North and Ojodu LCDAs on good hygiene.

    Speaking through the Director, Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Manmood Adegbite said the project entails disseminating knowledge and understanding of hygiene practices as well as their associated health hazards to low-income populations.

    He added that the goal of the project is also to raise hygiene awareness among people in the target communities, with a focus on hygiene education for women and girls.

    He said that the Government of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu will continue to fund other important projects aimed toward the revitalization of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene sector in the State.

    “This is to formalize the structured and methodical approach to gaining universal adoption of handwashing and faecal sludge disposal, behaviours that are expected to reduce disease-causing micro-organisms and parasite transmission,” he said.

    He stated that the Government through Ministry has been in the campaign for public health before now and has also embarked on the review of WASH policy for the State in collaboration with stakeholders to achieve a proper Institutional arrangement capable of delivering the goal of access to potable water and sanitation to all in the State.

    He added that the Ministry has also embarked on sensitization of the populace on handwashing and hygiene practices stressing that this was backed up by the provision of handwashing facilities in schools, markets and correctional facilities across the State.

    He said if the State is to become a healthy and productive society capable of contributing to the nation’s long-term development, then everyone must understand that hygiene must not be taken for granted and appreciate
    why it is important.

    According to him, “our esteemed audience does not need convincing about the importance of hygiene instead, you are active Stakeholders with whom we can discuss ways to persuade others of the importance of hygiene, water supply, sanitation and public health. If sanitation and hygiene are vital, then stakeholders like you who fight to promote water supply, sanitation and hygiene are critical”.

    He explained that the government has not accomplished all these in isolation, but with the engagement of several partners which include Federal and Local Agencies, WaterAid Nigeria, stakeholders in the academia, development partners and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to accelerate the development of WASH sector in the State.

     

    He said the State Planning and Implementation committee (SPIC) would be inaugurated and its members drawn from different sectors to ensure the successful monitoring of the program while also carrying out advocacy at both the State and Local Government Area/Local Council Development Areas (LGA/LCDA).

    Earlier in his remarks, the representative of the Country Manager, WaterAid/ Kimberly Clark, Mr. Ukeme Essien said the project is aimed at achieving safe services in focused geographic areas to influence wider change and also priotize WASH across the health sector to improve public health.

    He said targeted beneficiaries in this project include 20, 000 mothers, pregnant and lactating women who would be provided with hygiene kits and context specific hygiene promotion activities.

    He emphasized that 5,000 secondary school girls would be reached with hygiene kits, hygiene promotion and menstrual hygiene education adding that 3,000 secondary schools students would benefit from rehabilitated sanitation facilities.

    Also in her welcome address, the Director of Water Resources, Engr. (Mrs.) Omolanke Taiwo said the event was significant because it is about promoting and educating residents of Ikorodu North and Ojodu LCDAs on behavioural change.

    She stated further that the goal of the project is to increase public awareness on good hygiene practices and the risk it poses to their health when not practice.

    She said it should be recalled that baseline survey was conducted at the LCDA level and involved data gathering on schools, Primary Health Care centres and Communities without access to toilets and handwashing facilities.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE &WR
    June 15, 2022

  • We are Committed to a Clean Environment – LAWMA Boss

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    …Appeals for waste containerization

    Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has reassured residents of a firm commitment to a clean environment despite the challenge of diesel scarcity, while also appealing to them to bag and containerize their waste.

    The Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Mr. Ibrahim Odumboni, stated this on Friday while monitoring the environment, adding that efforts were being intensified, to clear any backlog of refuse, and to stop acts of indiscriminate waste disposal around the city.

    He said: “We have redoubled our efforts, working round the clock to ensure that we evacuate all waste anywhere around the city. Although the scarcity and high cost of diesel have been a major challenge, as all service providers’ trucks run on diesel, nonetheless, we are doing the needful and leaving no stone unturned, to maintain a clean environment and prevent health hazards to the people”.

    “Over preceding months, we have rolled out advocacy and media sensitization campaigns, to inform and educate residents on the importance of environmental cleanliness, particularly the act of waste containerization. We have also supported efforts of PSP operators, by providing backup services in areas that experienced service gaps, with the overall aim of eradicating black spots across the metropolis”.

    He appealed to residents to properly bag and containerize their waste to allow for more storage periods and prevent littering.

    According to him, “The resurgence of waste observed in some areas of the metropolis is borne out of the unforeseen diesel challenges the service providers are experiencing, and since tenements cannot keep waste in their houses, have resorted to bringing it to the highways, which isn’t proper.”

    “While we strongly reiterate the importance of waste containers at home, we passionately appeal and canvass for public cooperation, to combat a resurgence of waste on road medians, canals and other illegal spots.”

    “We are assuring Lagosians of our total commitment to rid the environment of dirt. As we work day and night to make this happen, we urge you to support our efforts because the cleanliness of the state is a collective responsibility”, he stressed.

    Odumboni noted further that despite the serious logistics challenges faced by PSP operators, as a result of the increase in the price of diesel, they had continued to provide services to tenements, adding that the Authority, in order to ensure effective turnaround time of waste collection trucks, had also ensured that landfills in the state are in proper shape.

    “Before now, we had carried out massive rehabilitation work across our various landfills, to improve the turnaround time of PSP trucks servicing tenements and commercial facilities in the state. This has improved the condition of the sites, paving way for seamless waste collection activities”, he stated.

    For inquiries and complaints about services of waste management-related issues in your area, please call LAWMA toll-free numbers: 07080601020 and 617.

    Kadiri Folashade (Mrs.)
    Director, Public Affairs
    24/06/2022

  • SANWO-OLU TO LAGOSIANS: FOCUS ON LIVING SUSTAINABLY WITH NATURE.

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    …Joins 2022 World Environment Day celebrations

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu on Sunday stated that there is an urgent need for everyone to focus on the need to live sustainably with nature for the benefit of mankind.

    He made this known during the year 2022 World Environment Day finale held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, adding that it has become necessary for shifting to a greener lifestyle through both policies and individual choices .

    He added that sustainability of the environment are among the most pressing issues in the world today out of which the Earth faces triple planetary emergencies namely; Climate change, loss of biodiversity and Environmental Pollution.

    The Governor who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omolaji Gaji added that the impact of the aforementioned challenges have negatively made the achievements of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) less successful.

    It is pertinent to mention that this year’s theme “Only One Earth” was the slogan for the 1972 Stockholm Conference and 50 years on, this truth still holds as evidenced in the theme for World Environment Day 2022 being “ONLY ONE EARTH”.

    “With nature in emergency mode, the #OnlyOneEarth campaign for World Environment Day 2022, wants us to celebrate the planet through collective environmental action”, he said.

    He said the 1972 Stockholm Conference spurred the formation of environment Ministries around the world and kick-started a host of new global agreements to collectively protect the environment adding that it was also where the goals of poverty alleviation and environmental protection became linked, paving the way for the Sustainable Development Goals.

    He explained that around the world now, the planet is suffering a staggering rate of dramatic environmental change which is increasingly subjected to the negative effects of human population growth and the associated pollution problems.

    He added that Global environmental pollution has altered the earth’s natural system and is becoming an increasing concern for the well-being and survival of many species.

    Sanwo-Olu said time is running out and nature is in emergency mode, adding that without action, exposure to air pollution beyond safe guidelines will increase by 50 percent within the decade hence climate is heating up too quickly for people to survive and adapt to nature.

    He said it is important to note that no matter the economic status, everyone must be a part of Lagos State Development Agenda by getting involved adding, that it is an opportunity given to all to think about nature which offers supply, shelter and ecosystem restoration.

    He said Lagosians must admit the achievement of the State Government in the Greening and Restoration of Indigenous trees project towards curbing climate change effect and its efforts to end open defecation by 2025.

    According to him, while our individual consumption choices do make a difference, it is collective action that will create the transformative environmental change we need, so we can advance to a more sustainable and just Earth, where everyone can flourish.

    He urged everyone to be alive to their responsibilities on this issue of the environment and also to note that sustainable consumption, production drive economic development, mitigate climate change, environmental pollution would positively impact health and alleviate poverty.

    The Governor commended Corporate Organizations, Non-Governmental Institutions, Traditional Groups, Religious Groups and other notable bodies for ensuring that the persistent drive of the State’s policy towards entrusting legacy of greening and restoration of indigenous trees to the citizen is sustained.

    Earlier in address, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello said the Government through Ministry of the Environment & Water Resources has implemented several programmes to mitigate these challenges through Tree planting, Climate change summit, Environmental bees clubs in schools, waste to wealth and ban on open defecation.

    Speaking through the Director of Sanitation Services Department, Dr. Hassan Sanuth, the PS said
    World Environment Day launched the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030, to prevent, halt and reserve the degradation of ecosystem on every continent and in every ocean.

    He added that government keyed into this call in 2021 by commencing the greening of Abraham Adesanya set back, together with restoration of some historical plants in specific locations like Agege, Idi-Mangoro where Mango trees were planted, Idi-Agbon in Ifako-Ijaiye where coconut trees were planted and in Lagos Island where breadfruit trees were planted at St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Breadfruit Lagos as part of this year’s celebration.

    The guest lecturer, Dr. Ayo Tella while delivering his paper noted that Anthropogenic effects caused by human activities such as felling of trees have altered the earth’s natural systems and and survival of many species.

    Various categories of awards were presented to corporate organizations, Community Development Areas, and schools amongst others in recognition of contribution to sustainable environment

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE &WR
    June 5, 2022

  • LAGOS PLANTS HISTORICAL TREES TO KICKSTART WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY CELEBRATION

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    2022 World Environment Day celebrations in Lagos kicked off on Thursday with planting of 10 historic breadfruit trees to ensure the sustenance of One planet earth.

    Speaking at the ceremony which took place at the St Paul’s Anglican Primary School, Breadfruit, Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji said the task of regenerating the environment should not be left to the government alone.

    Highlighting the 2022 World Environment Day theme “Only One Earth” he said it is a campaign to ensure that the beautiful planet remains a comfortable home for humanity.

    He explained that this year’s celebration was a historic milestone for the global environmental community as it marks 50 years since the 1972 United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, widely seen as the first international meeting on the environment.

    He said the World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated in different ways all over the world and these includes planting of trees, cleaning up local beaches, organizing meetings, joining online protests amongst others.

    He said part of the activities lined up for this year’s celebration by the Ministry includes planting of historical breadfruit trees, an Environmental Awareness Walk, a submition of a petition for the support of the Environment to Lagos House of Assembly with a climax of the 2022 celebrations on Sunday.

    He said individuals and civil society are pivotal advocates, adding that the more people raise their voices and emphasize on what needs to be done, the faster change will come.

    He added that the World Environment Day programme is globally embraced to draw people’s attention to the significance of living sustainably with nature.

    Earlier in a goodwill message, the representative of the Education Secretary, Lagos Island Education District, Mr. Rasheed Fashanu commended the State Government for replanting the historical tree in the school as the area in times past was named after the tree because of the large concentration of Breadfruit trees in the area.

    He added that in the past students in the education district have always been encouraged to plant trees and the trees planted as a result are the ones being seen around now.

    The Director, Sanitation Services Department, Dr. Hassan Sanuth explained that trees planted were indigenous trees and synonymous to certain areas adding that in previous years other trees like Mango was planted at the Mangoro area of the state as well as the Coconut Tree planted at the Idi-Agbon Area in Ifako Ijaiye.

     

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director Public Affairs
    MOE &WR
    June 2, 2022

  • LASG SEEKS BUY-IN OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON INCORPORATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT (EIA)

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    Lagos State Government on Wednesday charged all Engineers at the Local Government levels to ensure the incorporation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) into every project and policy before implementation.

    The Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji stated this during a stakeholders engagement workshop for Council Managers and Engineers on mainstreaming of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) into a developmental initiative in Lagos State held at LCCI Event Centre, Ikeja.

    The Perm Sec maintained that Environmental Impact Assessment is a critical environmental management tool that must be embraced by all sectors across the state.

    He stated that the objective of the meeting was to discuss the critical role of (EIA) in various collective strides toward sustainable development in the State.

    “Dear participant, you will agree with me that it is no longer news that Lagos remains the preferred destination for many businesses operating within the various sectors of Nigeria’s economy. This is cheering news as it opens the State to economic prosperity, on the other hand, it comes with various types of environmental challenges” he said.

    He said the establishment of industries, creation of settlements, and construction of infrastructure, all come with huge adverse environmental impacts ranging from pollution to irreversible environmental degradation if not properly managed.

    He said it is for these reasons that the Government through the Ministry of the Environment & Water Resources adopted the application of the EIA process in ensure sustainable implementation of development projects in the State in line with global best practices.

    He stated that the cost of doing the right things is cheaper than the cost of correcting the consequences of refusal to do them stressing that was why the Ministry created awareness on the need for participation and compliance with the EIA process in the State.

    He reiterated that the Government cannot afford the huge cost of addressing environmental degradation and ecological challenges resulting from unwholesome project development activities

    He said it is worrisome that while the Government continues to see improvements in the level of compliance from the Private Sectors to the process, the same cannot be said of the Public Sectors adding that most Local Government & Local Council Development Areas have continued to execute projects without the EIA processes.

    He emphasized that the above situation portrays the Government as adopting double standards by insisting that the Private sectors comply with the process when Government Arms on their part are not.

    He said as a result of this, the Ministry developed a Citizens Guide on EIA to educate public and provided required information on EIA process in the State.

    He said the Ministry embarked on Stakeholders Engagement meetings to several Local Government Areas in the State with the latest held in Badagry LGA where the EIA Report of the Badagry Deep Seaport and Free Zone project was discussed adding that workshops for other LGAs and LCDAs would soon commence for the year.

    Earlier the Director of Environmental Assessment Department, Dr. Olasunkanmi Sojinu spoke on the EIA process in Lagos State saying parts of the process include submission of a letter of intent and terms of reference for the conduct of EIA for the proposed project.

    He added that others are a review of terms of reference, registration of the proposed project with the Ministry by obtaining project regulatory form, site verification for the assessment of nature; size and sensitivity of the size amongst others.

    Also the facilitator, Assistant Director, Environmental Assessment Department, Mr. Lasisi Adedoyin in his lecture titled “Mainstreaming Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) into developmental initiatives in Lagos State” explained that EIA should be put into consideration for projects development activities for environmental sustainability.

    He said oftentimes, environmental analysis is what people carried out before project development while referring to it as EIA.

    He advised that it has become important to incorporate greening, water project and proper drainage system in every projects being embarked upon.

    The stakeholders was attended by Council Managers, Engineers as well as Architect drawn from the 57 Local Government and LCDs in Lagos State.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    May 25, 2022

  • LAGOS TO STIMULATE ACTION FOR THE CONSERVATION OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY

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    Joins global celebration of Biodiversity Day – 

    Lagos State on Monday emphasized its readiness to stimulate action for the conservation of biological diversity through awareness and enlightenment as it joined the global celebration of Biodiversity Day

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, he added that the State will also consolidate on partnerships with reputable Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in this wide.

    Tunji Bello also said that biodiversity was an essential asset that must be sustainably managed, wisely utilized, and conserved for future generations.

    Highlighting the theme for the 2022 celebration “Building a shared future for all life” the Commissioner said the theme presupposes that nature must have a natural balance for the survival of all living and non-living things in the ecosystem.

    He described Biological Diversity as the variety of plants and animals that live in an ecosystem and highlighted the importance of biodiversity.

    “Biodiversity is the foundation upon which the natural ecosystem can build back better and massively scale up restoration effects that will breathe new life into our degraded ecosystems”, he stressed.

    He maintained that the 2022 theme aligns perfectly within the context of the ongoing United Nations Decade on Eco-Restoration which highlights that biodiversity is the answer to several challenges to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) especially, goal 14 (Life below Water) and goal 15 (Life on Land & Climate action).

    Bello said the greatest threats facing Biological Diversity today were numerous but pre-eminent amongst them were habitat destruction and over-exploitation adding that the quest by property developers to acquire land for housing projects has led to the wanton destruction of many wetlands and forest ecosystems.

    He said over-exploitation of wildlife was also a major contributor to the increasing decline in the population of several species of animals in the State at an alarming rate emphasizing that animals that are facing imminent threat of extinction were Pangolin, hooded vulture, sea turtle and manatee populations.

    The Commissioner said the State Government was aware of this development and has continuously taken various steps aimed at addressing them and has embarked on an Advocacy and Awareness Campaign on Wetlands Conservation to the three Senatorial Districts in the State.

    “Amongst these steps is the partnership with the Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI) and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on the conservation of the hooded vulture, pangolin, and Ekki tree population in the State; these partnerships will help protect critically endangered species from extinction and serve as a springboard for their sustained population in the wild,” he said.

    He warned people who engage in the illicit trade and sales of wildlife especially in the wet markets across Lagos state to desist as the Ministry will soon commence State-wide surveillance and enforcement to curb the menace.

    Bello appealed to the world to continue to establish new protected areas and improve their management and also take action that implements the convention of biological diversity.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

  • LASG COMMENCES BASELINE DATA COLLATION TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY AND WATER SUPPLY

    By

    As part of its effort towards the provision of adequate quality water supply to its citizenry, Lagos State Government has commenced baseline data collation and status verification on Water supply across the State.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tunji Bello speaking over the weekend at a one-Day Training Session for Field Officers on the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) survey in Ikeja said the government needs adequate data to support policy formation on water resources.

    He noted that it is certain that the water supply is inadequate in the State and it is only through baseline studies and data gathering that effective policies could be made.

    Tunji Bello represented by the Director Drainage Enforcement and Compliance, Engr. Mahmood Adegbite said 100 enumerators will be trained for the exercise to cover the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas in the State.

    Appealing to the people of Lagos to support and accept the enumerators for a successful exercise, Bello said the survey aims to ensure that safe and clean water is accessible to all eventually.

    “It’s a 10days baseline survey of water supply and sanitation facilities in private and public facilities which will cover hotels, schools, tertiary institutions, farm settlements, hospitals, gardens, and more except private houses.

    According to him, “the survey is to determine the status of water and sanitation facilities in all the institutions, which will eventually form the cornerstone that will finally inform investment in the sector as soon as possible.

    In her remarks, the Director, Water Resources, Engr. (Mrs.) Omolanke Taiwo noted that the importance of quality water cannot be over-emphasized in human existence, saying that Water is life and should be available and accessible to every resident.

    She recalled that the Federal Government launched a campaign to put an end to open defecation by 2025, adding that a baseline survey would give proper status and functionality to the water scheme and the report would give an edge to the government to plan.

    He urged everyone to take the survey as part of their lives and give total support to the enumerators adding that if there is no safe water there can not be good sanitation.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs) MOE &WR

    May 13, 2022

  • LAGOS & U.S CONSULATE COLLABORATE ON AIR QUALITY MONITORING TO COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE.

    By

    PIX 6792: L-R : H.E Acting Consul General of United States Consulate in Nigeria, Mr. Brandon Hudspeth, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, Honourable Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources,Tunji Bello and Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji presenting Souvenirs to the H.E Acting Consul General of United States in Nigeria, during the Air Quality high-level meeting between U.S. Mission, Nigeria and Lagos State Government held on the 10th of May 2022, at the Lagos State Ministry of The Environment Conference Hall, Secretariat Alausa,Ikeja

    The Lagos State Government and the United States of America Consulate in Nigeria on Tuesday committed to greater collaboration toward air quality monitoring and measuring to reduce pollution and combat the effect of climate change.

    The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, and the Acting Consular General of the American Consulate, Brandon Hudspeth expressed the commitment at a high-level meeting between the State officials and the Consulate at Alausa, Ikeja.

    Speaking at the event, Tunji Bello said Lagos was in dire need of larger collaboration especially in human capacity building to combat the climate change menace across the state.

    He said the State Government in its quest to tackle climate change in 2008 commenced a Climate Change Conference which took place till date till 2015 when it had a break before recommencing in 2021.

    He explained that part of the resolutions of past conferences was the creation of Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency for continuous tree planting across Lagos in order to mitigate the effects of climate change adding that the Bus Rapid Transportation (BRT) scheme was introduced to reduce emission on transport because the BRT mode of transportation can convey more people at a time.

    He stated that with the population at about 24 million in Lagos, it is obvious that human activities have warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land adding that the Government is trying to put various measures in place so that human activities must be carried out with climate change in mind.

    PIX: 6800: Political/ Economic Analyst, U.S Consulate General Lagos State, Olivette Smith, General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA) Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, H.E, Acting Consul General of the United States Consulate in Nigeria, Mr. Brandon Hudspeth, Representative of the Governor and Honourable Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello, Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji and Political Officer U.S, Consulate General Nigeria, Janine Lewis during the Air Quality High-level meeting between U.S. Consulate and Lagos State Government held on the 10th of May 2022, at the Lagos State Ministry of The Environment Conference Hall, Secretariat Alausa, Ikeja.

    The Acting U. S. Consul General, Mr. Brandon Hudspeth, said the Consulate was elated with the various activities developed by the Lagos State Government to combat Climate change adding that they are ready to partner and give technical expertise to further raise awareness about air pollution.

    He added that the U. S Consulate in Nigeria has ensured all its building in Nigeria has been operating on zero carbon emission saying that this was part of their contribution to combat air pollution.

    In her presentation, the General Manager, Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency(LASEPA) Dr. Dolapo Fasawe Stated that Lagos State’s expectation for the partnership was to create adequate awareness about Air quality, Dangers of Air Pollution, and ways to mitigate the effect of Air pollution against Climate change.

    She added that scientists have long proven that air pollution exposure could lead series of negative health impacts, saying that higher ozone brought about steeper increases in depressive symptoms across adolescent development, a pattern that was not observed for other forms of psychopathology symptoms.

    She further explained that Air is supposed to be transparent, odorless, and colourless adding that once it is smoking, the air has become polluted and dangerous to human health.

    She informed that Lagos State Government has installed six Air Quality Monitoring Station in strategic locations across the State adding that henceforth the State Government would commence the enforcement of arrest of vehicles and machinery contributing to carbon emission.

    In his presentation, the Head of Climate Change and Environmental Planning Department in the Ministry of the Environment, Mr. Micheal Bankole highlighted that as of 2015 the total emission in Lagos State was estimated to be 26 million Gigatonnes of carbon-infused in the atmosphere saying stationery energy contributed 55%, Transportation 20%, while Waste Contributes 25%.

    He mentioned that the rise in the carbon emissions could be attributed to Rapid Population Growth, and increased Green House Gas(GHG) among other contributors adding that these have caused a reduction in Air quality, infrastructural stress, flooding various health challenges.

    He said Lagos State has been working on various strategies that when fully implemented will set Lagos on a pathway towards Cabon neutrality by 2050.

     

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs) MOE &WR
    May 10, 2022