• SANWO-OLU TO ADVERTISERS: JOIN CAMPAIGN ON DIVERSIFICATION FROM MONO-ECONOMY TO AGRICULTURE

    By

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    BLOCK 16

    The Secretariat, Ikeja

     

    PRESS RELEASE

     

    SANWO-OLU TO ADVERTISERS: JOIN CAMPAIGN ON DIVERSIFICATION FROM MONO-ECONOMY TO AGRICULTURE

     

     

     

    Lagos State Government on Sunday urged advertisers and marketers to join the campaign on diversification from a mono-economic culture to embrace the opportunities available in the abundance of agriculture potentials in the country.

     

    This was made known by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during the 10th ADVAN Awards for Marketing Excellence West Africa held at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

     

    The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment and water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello noted that agriculture and Natural resources served as economic mainstay before the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities that changed the narrative of the national economic vision and focus.

     

    He added that It is also the duty of the advertisers and marketers to promote the image of Nigeria with the potentials available in the diversity in order to encourage foreign and direct investments which will impact positively on the growth of the economy.

     

    He noted that the essence of nation building is to maintain a strategic advantage in the comity of nations with a view of promoting economic growth.

     

     

    He said since the inception of ADVAN Awards a decade ago, it has provided a credible platform to promote professionalism, brand awareness, loyalty and consumer retention in a competitive market.

     

    He added that the efforts of ADVAN, as the major trade association representing the interests of advertisers and marketers in Nigeria, has not gone unnoticed at the global stage.

     

    He said the nomination of ADVAN to the Executive Council of the World Federation of Advertisers is commendable stressing that it equally connotes that the association needs to upscale their activities and ensure that quality control becomes a byword in the industry.

     

    He stated that there are positive and negative perceptions about any country and its people which is formed by the experience of the observer or respondent. .

     

    Sanwo-Olu said everyone must work together to project a positive global perception of the country in place of the negative narrative that is being promoted with ignominy.

     

    He stressed that every citizen represents brand ambassadors of Nigeria, therefore whatever they say or project into public consciousness carries a lot of weight, especially in the international fora and the unregulated social media.

     

    “Let us leverage on the gains recorded by our dynamic entertainment sector which has firmly placed its foot on the global stage, especially with the global focus on Nigeria when one of our own Burna Boy was nominated and eventually won the Grammy Award as a musical artiste” he said.

     

    According to him, I celebrate all the nominees for the privilege availed them in a pool of incredibly talented personnel and organisations in an era that is rapidly being transformed by artificial intelligence and technology.

     

    He said the nomination of the awardees is reflective of their contributions to the growth of the advertising and marketing sector for the growth of their economy.

     

     

    He added that the award nominations should motivate everyone to raise the bar of performance in the industry among their peers and younger professionals in the industry.

     

     

    He added that he sees branding from the context of a national entity where the sum total of creativity, design and narratives identifies or differentiates one country from the other.

     

     

     

     

    Signed

     

    Kunle Adeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)

    MOE &WR

    November 22, 2021

  • LASG CALLS FOR CONTINOUS HEALTHY SANITATION PRACTICES.

    By

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES
    BLOCK 16
    The Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria

    PRESS RELEASE

    LASG CALLS FOR CONTINOUS HEALTHY SANITATION PRACTICES.

    …….Constructs 345 toilets, registered 615 private toilet operators

    The Lagos State Government on Friday called on residents to promote healthy sanitation practices as the State continues to implement initiatives on improvements and increase the stock of available toilets.

    Addressing participants at the 2021 World Toilet Day celebration in Alausa, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, maintained that Lagos State is setting the pace for others to emulate, saying that State has constructed 345 public toilets in strategic locations across the State, while 615 private owned toilets operators have also been registered saying these were the result of a resilient strategy developed as a documented commitment to improve the quality of life of Lagos residents.

    “The initiative mentioned above provides for design and construction of pubic toilets in vulnerable communities of each Local Government and Local Council Development Areas whilst also creating an enabling environment for private sector participation under a fee-paying management system” he emphasized.

    The Commissioner represented by the Special Adviser on Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Joe Igbokwe added that the celebration brings to the front burner, issues to draw attention and seek for inclusive response in tackling sanitation challenges and the menace of open defecation in the country.

    Highlighting the theme for this year: “Valuing Toilet” the Commissioner said all stakeholders must priotize sanitation and hygiene as these act represents the cheapest and easiest method of combating the spread of diseases and control other environmental crises.

    ” It is important to note that Nigeria presently occupies the topmost level in the ladder of open defecation and that each State of the country is expected to domesticate the Federal Government declaration toward achieving Open Defecation Free Status by 2025″ he said.

    Earlier at the event, Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Belinda Odeneye said that the State Government has taken the lead role in public awareness and education campaigns on Hand washing, Sanitation and Hygienic standards as well as tackling the menace of open defecation.

    She added that the State in collaboration with her partners has empowered a broad range of stakeholders and promote environmental friendly approach to addressing the open defecation challenge.

    The Permanent Secretary represented by Director, Ecology and Conservation, Mr. Sheriff Savage noted that the State officially flagged off the CLEAN NIGERIA: USE THE TOILET CAMPAIGN and inaugurated an ANTI OPEN DEFECATION SQUAD last year.

    She explained that this is to instill in the Citizens behavioural change towards the use of toilets and maintaining safe sanitation, saying that the campaign was launched with an action plan to domesticate the campaign in each of the 20 LG and 37 LCDAs.

    Odeneye however assured that as a responsive Government with a plan for Innovation, Inclusiveness and Efficiency, the State will not relax on its plans and strategies to promote sanitation and hygiene.

    Senior Brand Manager, Hygiene West Africa, Chioma Sylva-Ifedigbo said the theme for 2021 aimed at drawing attention to the fact that toilets, and the sanitation system that support them are underfunded, poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world.

    Commending the leadership of the State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources for its leadership in its effort to end open defecation within the State, adding that through the Harpic Brand, Nigerians have access to hygienic toilets and the firm has been effectively communicating and educating people on the importance of toilet hygiene and sanitation, to drive behavioural change.

    Signed

    kunle Adeshina

    Director Public Affairs

    Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

     

    20th November, 2021

  • LASG CHARGES MDAs ON INCORPORATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

    By

    LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

    MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    BLOCK 16

    The Secretariat, Ikeja

     

    PRESS RELEASE

     

    PRESS RELEASE

     

    LASG CHARGES MDAs ON INCORPORATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

     

    Lagos State Government on Wednesday called on all it’s Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to incorporate Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in every project and policy before implementation.

     

    Speaking at a stakeholders engagement and sensitization for MDAs on streaming ESIA into projects planning and implementation at Alausa Ikeja, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello stated that the objective of meeting was to discuss the critical role of Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in various collective strides towards sustainable development in the State.

     

    He said ESIA is a formal process for identifying the likely impacts that may arise from a proposed activity of project on the environment, human health and social economic activities.

     

    Tunji Bello represented by the Director of Sanitation Services, Dr. Hassan Sanuth said that ESIA helps in identifying the likely adverse and beneficial

    impacts of a project with the aim of putting in place measures to mitigate the adverse ones.

    He added that it is a critical environmental management tool that must be embraced by both private and public sector in order to achieve sustainable development.

    He explained that the establishment of industrial facilities, creation of new settlements, and construction of infrastructures come with huge adverse environmental impacts ranging from pollution of various environmental platforms such as Air, Land and Water to sometimes irreversible environmental degradation if not properly managed.

    He stated further that the Government cannot afford the huge cost of addressing environmental degradation and ecological challenges resulting from unwholesome project development activities stressing that the cost of doing the right thing is cheaper than the cost of correcting the consequences of refusal to do them.

    He said ESIA has become a global decision-making tool by policy makers in protecting the Environment with nations across the globe enacting laws and setting stricter standards to ensure compliance and Lagos State cannot be an exception.

    He said it is impressive that Government has continued to see improvements in the level of compliance of the Private Sector players to the process, and same must be adhered to by the Public Sector.

    “This workshop is aimed at reversing the trend by encouraging MDAs to mainstream ESIA into their developmental initiatives always.

    “ESIA has become a global decision-making tool by policy makers in protecting the Environment with nations across the globe enacting laws and setting stricter standards to ensure compliance and Lagos State cannot be an exception” he emphasized.

    He said Government therefore has adopted the application of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) process in ensuring sustainable implementation of development projects in the State in line with global best practices.

    He said that the government developed the Citizens Guide on ESIA to educate members of the public and provide them with required information on ESIA process in the State.

    Earlier in her address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs. Ronke Odeneye, noted that the Workshop themed “Mainstreaming Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) into developmental initiatives in Lagos State” was not only apt but also timely because it’s coming at a time when all hands were on deck to ensure sustainable development in the State.

    She added that MDAs including the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are the corner stones for the realization of the objective of ESIA as they implement various projects that are expected to impact on the lives of the people.

    The facilitator, Assistant Director, Environmental Assessment, Mr. Lasisi Adedoyin in his lecture titled “Mainstreaming Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) into developmental initiatives in Lagos State” advised that it has become important to incorporate it.
    greening, water project and proper drainage system in every projects being embarked upon.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    November 18, 2021

  • LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    By

    LAGOS STATE MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER RESOURCES

    PRESS RELEASE

    LASG CALLS FOR COMPLETION OF EXPANSION OF DRAINAGE NETWORK ON LAG/ABK EXPRESS ROAD

    ….Says it will assist in deflooding the Expressway and its environs

    Following the flash flood which ravaged the Ahmadiyyah/ Ijaiye axis of the Lagos Abeokuta Expressway on Sunday, Lagos State Government on Tuesday called for the prompt completion of the ongoing expansion of the drainage culvert across the Lagos Abeokuta Express road at that section.

    According to a statement signed by Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello, the ongoing road rehabilitation works being done by Julius Berger Nigeria Limited for the Federal Government involves the necessary expansion of the old culvert underneath the Expressway which is inadequate to contain storm water runoff from the catchments.

    He stated that the expansion will ensure that rain water flows freely and easily into the collector drain at the downstream of the culvert.

     

    He said this singular measure, when undertaken will take all the rain water such as the one that flooded the Expressway on Sunday into the 2.0 meters by 1.5metres Collector that eventually discharges into the Akinola River.

    The Commissioner added that the State Government also intends to increase the capacity of the existing collector at the downstream of the culvert to 5.0 metres by 1.5meters in size early next year.

    Also speaking on the progress of work on deflooding of Akowonjo road, Tunji Bello said the Contractor is about to move to the critical stage of cutting Akowonjo Road by Vulcaniser Bus Stop to link the drain on Jimoh Akinremi Street.

    He stated that when approval for traffic diversion is obtained from the Ministry of Transportation, the Contractor will complete this phase of the project by cutting the road and laying the concrete sections over the weekend working day and night to reduce the burden on the road users at the peak period during the week

    He explained that the existing drain on Jimoh Akinremi is stagnant and presently floods Akowonjo Road and must be opened up to run across Akowonjo Road into the already constructed collector which discharges into the Airport via Shasha road conduit.

    He reminded that Lagos is a coastal city that is bound to experience flash flooding, assuring that the state is ensuring that drainage channels are being cleaned and maintained on a regular basis to contain rain water.

    SIGNED

    KunleAdeshina

    Director (Public Affairs)

    MOE &WR

    November 16, 2021

  • LASG UNVEILS CITI MONITOR APP FOR REPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL INFRACTIONS

    By

    The quest for a cleaner Lagos city initiative through citizens participation got a boost over the weekend as the State unveiled  an online application known as “Citi Monitor” for monitoring and reporting of all environmental infractions.

    Launching the app named  “CitiMonitor Application and Enterprise Environmental Monitoring Infrastructure Information system (EEMIIS)”  at Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tunji Bello stated that it would give government a wider reach in monitoring and responding to environmental issues reported by residents.

    “This app will maximise the reach of the government using the large population of Lagos, it will get to the nooks and crannies and it will help us to better report the state of the environment from blockage of our canals, to indiscriminate waste dumping and every other infractions”, he said.

    Tunji Bello who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mrs Belinda Odeneye  explained that the application, which the state government had been test running for sometime was now available for download on Google Play Store and Apple IOS Store.

    He added that there are complaints and reports of infractions on daily basis on flooding, damaged roads, dilapidated building, illegal petrol stations, security violations, unlawful human activities, vehicle traffic situations, abandoned vehicles and other environmentally related issues that are underreported or not reported at all in the state.

    Tunji Bello encouraged residents to avail themselves of the opportunity of downloading the App as it is clear that it would help them take ownership of the environment of the state as the citizens are the primary custodians.

    He added that some selected officers of the Ministry are already using the application including 25 officers from the State-of-the Environment programme while other officers on the programme are expected to log on after the Launching.

    He said that residents could still make use of the WhatsApp, text messages and other means to also report environmental infractions.

    Also speaking, the software developer, Mr. Ayodeji Faniran said “Citi Monitor” became necessary in line with emerging trends especially in the utilization of science and technology.

    He explained that one of the unique features of the app is that it is configured to capture real-time images within the Lagos geographical locations only.

    “You cannot upload pictures from your gallery, you cannot submit pictures from other parts of the country or the world, only pictures from Lagos State can be submitted, and once you click the picture anywhere in Lagos State, it’s going to have the time stamp, the location/address and then you can pick the local government and the markets. All local governments and markets in Lagos State have been configured” Mr Faniran said.

    Mr Faniran added that plans were been made to introduce other languages, especially the Yoruba language to enable more residents of Lagos to use the app which is currently configured in the English language.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    August 1, 2021

  • SALLAH CELEBRATION: LASG CHARGES RESIDENTS NOT TO ERODE GAINS OF A CLEANER LAGOS WITH UNSANITARY HABITS

    By

    …….Reiterates ban on sale of rams, cows on Highways, Parks, Medians

    The Lagos State Government on Monday reminded residents to ensure that the gains already made towards a cleaner environment in the city are not eroded as they join Muslims in celebrating the Ed-eil-Kabir.

    In a statement signed by the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr.Tunji Bello, he said residents should complement the concerted efforts of the various agencies in the timely evacuation of waste and cleaning of drains especially during the festive period.

    He said all waste generated through the slaughtering of rams and other animals and waste from food items should be properly disposed after bagging through approved PSP operators, just as everyone must avoid unsanitary actions.

    Bello, while felicitating with all Muslims, urged Lagosians to celebrate with moderation, bearing in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic is still with us.

    He added that for all those who will make public outings during the holidays, they should avoid littering while observing Covid safety protocols.

    His words: “In view of the prevalence of the pandemic COVID-19 and observance of the prescribed safety protocols, everyone must always ensure that they handle waste in the most appropriate ways”.

    Bello also used the opportunity to remind Lagosians that the Law against street trading is still in force, stating that any form of street trading which includes display of rams on major highways, road medians, walkways, lay-byes, gardens and parks across the State will not be tolerated.

    He said that while it is not unusual for traders to take advantage of the season to market and sell rams and other livestocks, this must be done in designated markets without defacing the state’s aesthetics or compromising the wellness and wellbeing of residents.

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR

    July 19th 2021

  • CLIMATE SUMMIT PARTICIPANTS RECOMMEND ESTABLISHMENT OF A CLIMATE CHANGE FOUNDATION

    By

    Participants at the just concluded Lagos 8th International Climate Change summit have recommended the establishment of a Climate Change Foundation that will include public and private sector stakeholders to address Climate Change issues in the State.

    In a communique released over the weekend, the participants also urged the State Government to put in place appropriate framework for accessing climate finance utilizing the direct and indirect strategies for raising climate capital.

    It was also suggested that the state should establish a standing inter-ministerial technical committee on climate change with relevant NGOs and private sector to develop strategies for implementing the Climate Action Plan (CAP) of the State, sector by sector and give regular advice to the Government on it.

    The communique also stated that Lagos State should incorporate resilience to long term impacts of climate change in the design and construction of buildings and critical public infrastructure with an addition that the State should make infrastructure more climate-resilient through retrofitting and implementation of regular maintenance regimes.

    It suggested the development of a framework for the introduction of green sources of energy into its infrastructure development as well as a pursuit of an aggressive implementation of a climate-resilient Smart City initiative.

    The communique also urged the State to vigorously pursue the implementation of the State’s Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP) to address transportation challenges and reduce Green House Gas emissions emanating from the sector.

    According to the resolution: “The State Government should put in place plans of action to support farmers in adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices and also put in place mechanisms for improved collaboration with other States to attain and sustain food security for the citizens of the State”.

    It emphasized that the government should promote climate smart and eco-friendly agricultural practice and promote zero waste as well as explore the potential for bioenergy generation.

    It advised that Lagos State government should as part of her Affirmative Action implement gender based initiatives targeted at empowering women to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

    It noted that the Government through Ministry of Information and Strategy and its Agencies should commence advocacy on safety issues around LPG across its value chain.

    The participants urged the State Government to improve surveillance through human, animal and environmental monitoring with a view to promoting good health and preventing disease.

    “State Government should take advantage of the human capacity available within the tertiary institutions in the State to support research and innovation to generate new evidence and/or tools for health and to validate existing knowledge” it also stated.

    It also formed part of the resolutions that the the State investment in continuous strengthening of human infrastructure and organizational capacity to address the challenges of Emerging Infectious Diseases (EIDs) should be increased and sustained.

    It added that the State Government should raise a forum to discuss the effects of rural-urban drift on the State environment and infrastructure.

    The communique also urged the State Government to review and expand the scope of her Women Empowerment Initiatives to reach more women particularly those in rural communities.

    The international climate change summit is an annual event by the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to address climate change Issues that that has just been resuscitated after a five year lull.

    Signed
    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE&WR
    June 13, 2021

  • CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT, A KEY FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING- SANWO-OLU …commissions 1,097 projects in 970 Schools

    By

    The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday commissioned a new block of classroom at Bariga, affirming that a conducive environment is very essential for effective learning

     

     

     

     

     

    Sanwo -Olu spoke during the commissioning of a block of classrooms at Oduduwa College, Lanre Awolokun street, Gbagada in Bariga LCDA, through  the  Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello whom the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage and Water Resources, Engr. Lekan Shodeinde stood in for.

     

     

     

     

     

    He explained that the vital role of education in the development has made it imperative to ensure that children have access to quality education in an enabling environment for excellent learning.

     

     

     

    Sanwo-Olu  said 1,097 infrastructural projects covering 970 Schools across the State, were embarked upon to improve the learning and teaching environment in our public schools.

     

     

     

    He said Education is still the most potent tool of empowerment and one of the most tested ways to close the gap between poverty and wealth saying, that it provide individuals with the necessary knowledge and skill set to actualize their potential and maximize opportunities in life.

     

     

     

    The Governor explained that the projects being commissioned across the state will further drive the “Education and Technology” pillar of the  THEMES Agenda adding that to actualize the Greater Lagos vision, quality education must remain one of the solid building blocks.

     

     

     

    He said that in the last 2 years, Government  had aggressively embarked on the provision of blocks of classrooms, administrative offices, school furniture, laboratories, modern toilet facilities, and security across the six Education Districts and Local Government Councils.

     

     

     

    “ Government has ensured the prompt construction and rehabilitation of 322 dilapidated public schools, while 87,000 dual composite units of furniture were supplied to Primary and Secondary Schools across the State” he said.

     

     

     

    Mr Governor remarked that the investments in the education sector have been yielding positive results saying that students’ performance have improved in examinations, national and international competitions as well as improved morals, etiquette, and confidence in public speaking.

     

     

     

    “Lagos State Public Schools have consistently emerged the overall best at the international Robotics Competition since 2015 and have continued to excellently represent Nigeria at this annual competition;”

     

     

     

    The Lagos State team was one of the best at the 2021 National Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientist (JETS) Competition, held at the National Mathematical Centre, Kwali ealier this year where the State team won 11 medals and 10 Cups in various categories” he said.

     

     

     

    He acknowledged the contributions hardworking teachers to the success the schools and students saying that the infrastructure being put in place  would amount to nothing if they were not complemented by competent, dedicated and passionate teachers.

     

     

     

    He charged community leaders, school administrators, staff and students of these schools to take ownership of the project saying  all hands must be on deck to ensure that miscreants do not destroy or cart away the properties of our schools adding that the security of  schools and other infrastructures is a collective responsibility.

     

     

     

    He commended the Lagos State Ministry of Education, the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, the Special Committee on Rehabilitation of Public Schools (SCRPS) and the Lagos State Infrastructure Management and Maintenance Agency (LASIAMA) for collaborating effectively to actualize various vision in the education sector.

     

     

     

    Signed

     

     

     

    Kunle Adeshina

     

    Director (Public Affairs)

     

    MOE &WR

  • LAGOS TO PARTNER STAKEHOLDERS ON BIODIVERSITY/WILDLIFE PROTECTION

    By

    Lagos State Government has commenced collaboration
    with reputable Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) on conservation matters aimed at sustainability, conserving biodiversity and wildlife protection.

    Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tunji Bello in a statement on Saturday in commemoration of the year 2021 Biodiversity Day, said the greatest problems facing biological diversity today are habitat destructions, over exploitation, pollution and global climate change.

    He added that deforestation, sand-filling of wetlands and other open water bodies, construction of buildings, overfishing/overhunting amongst others result in considerable changes in the ecological balance.

    While identifying the cooperation and collaboration of relevant stakeholders as a solution to the problem, the Commissioner said amongst the steps taken is an ongoing partnership with the Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary initiative (LUFASI) on the conservation of vultures, pangolin and Ekki tree population in the State.

    He expressed the hope that when the project eventually commenced, it will help protect these critically endangered species from extinction and serve as a springboard for their sustained population in the wild.

    He disclosed that Government is also working with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on conservation matters and also willing to partner with other stakeholders in the course of wildlife and biodiversity protection in the State.

    Bello said the Theme for this Year’s celebration “We are part of the solution #ForNature” aligns perfectly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 14 (Life under Water) and 15 (Life on Land) that about 20% of the animal protein diet for close to 3 billion people worldwide is gotten from fish, while 80% of human diets is from plant.

    According to the Commissioner, 80% of rural dwellers in the world depend on traditional herbs for their basic health care, therefore the importance of biodiversity cannot be overemphasized.

    He noted that the need by property developers to acquire land for housing developments in the State has led to the destruction of many wetlands and forest ecosystems which SERVE as habitats for a considerable percentage of the State’s biodiversity.

    “Pollution of water bodies with refuse and other harmful substances are also a cause for concern as mentioned earlier. Over exploitation of wildlife is also a major contributor to the increasing decline in the population of several species of animals in the State” he emphasized.

    He mentioned that amongst the animals facing imminent threat of extinction are the Pangolin, Vulture, Sea Turtle and Manatee populations saying that the trend of progressive biodiversity loss in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is as a result of increasing human population and their anthropogenic activities.

    He reiterates that Government frowns at the people who deal in the illicit trade of wildlife trafficking and sales, especially in the wet markets across the state warning that people should desist from the illegal act as the Ministry will soon commence a State-wide surveillance and enforcement of same to curb the menace.

    “Apart from the threat the trade poses to wildlife population, the possible outbreak of very dangerous zoonotic diseases is of serious concern to this Government and therefore shall not continue to condone this act” he stressed.

    He said that Government will continue to enact laws and formulate policies on ensuring wildlife and Ecosystem protection in the State to help protect these critically endangered species from extinction and serve as a springboard for their sustained population in the wild.

    Signed

    Kunle Adeshina
    Director (Public Affairs)
    MOE &WR
    May 22, 2021