The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday called on stakeholders, environmentalists, and young persons to join in the effort to make the environment and the world green, habitable, and safe.
The Governor who spoke through the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources Mr. Tunji Bello at the “Launch of the trees from Art in Lagos State” held at Nike Art Gallery, Lekki Lagos said the Government cannot achieve these all alone.
He said it is necessary for everyone to brainstorm on the ways the effects of climate change can be mitigated and ensure the environment is clean, green, and free of harmful toxins.
According to him, in the words of Bill Gates, “climate change is a terrible problem and absolutely needs to be solved” adding that “While we cannot and should not continue to fold our hands and watch our societies deteriorate as a result of climate change, we should take time to acknowledge those taking deliberate actions to sensitize us and proffer solutions to this challenge”.
He said the Government has been giving attention to initiatives, programmes and policies that will protect the environment and also reduce the impact of climate change in the State, Country and the world at large.
He added that globally, climate change is leading to more unprecedented weather patterns, an instance of which can be seen in the now somewhat repetitive Sahara Dessert Snowfall.
Sanwo- Olu said everyone cannot continue to ignore or deny the harsh realities climate change is having on the environment, weather, agricultural sector, and all other spheres of life because the effects are obvious and visible to all.
He stated that each year, the government keep seeing different testaments that prove it needs to do more to address climate change added that since 2008, the State have observed July 24 as Tree Planting day in Lagos.
He explained that through this initiative, millions of trees have been planted and increasing number of the people are being enlightened on the need to embrace the culture of tree planting for a sustainable and healthy environment.
He stressed that the Government have also been actively ensuring that all drainage channels are cleared to ensure free flow of water to reduce flooding and its devastating effects.
” I am particularly thrilled with this “Trees from Art in Lagos State” Initiative because it is in sync with the Naija Climate Now pian to support Climate Change Adaptation, Green Entrepreneurship, and Environmental Education in Nigeria” he said.
He said this initiative will also begin with Climate Education and Planting of 100,000 trees in secondary schools.
The Governor expressed appreciation to Solution17 for Climate Action and the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria for partnering with Lagos State to launch this initiative and also acknowledge the efforts of the founder of Nike Art Gallery, Nike Davies-Okundaye and other personalities in the art and green energy space.
He said this will be a perfect opportunity to get the young adults take action and responsibility for the environment while helping to restore green life quality in school communities and reduce the effects of climate change in the society.
He added that the initiative is aimed at mobilizing young people as it will nurture them to care better for the environment, while preparing them as green. innovators, creators and technologists for climate change.
Signed
Kunle Adeshina
Director (Public Affairs)
MOE &WR
April 7, 2022