Lagos, NCF set for 18th walk for nature, to plant one million trees

Photo caption: L-R; Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services Engr. Mahamood Adegbite;  Director General, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) Dr. Joseph Onoja; Honourable Commissioner for The Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Gaji Omobolaji, during the Media briefing preceding the 18th  Annual Walk For Nature, held on the 16th of October, 2024, at the Ministry of The Environment and Water Resources Conference Room, Alausa Secretariat Ikeja, Lagos State.

The Lagos State Government on Wednesday 16 October 2024 reiterated that the mandate to plant a million trees in 12 months is  geared towards Nature Conservation and improving the quality of lives of Lagosians.

Speaking during a joint media briefing by the Ministry of the Environment and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) preparatory to the 18th edition of the Annual Walk for Nature, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab said it’s not all always only about planting trees but a sustainable policy that supports the mandate.

The Commissioner who addressed the media alongside the Director General of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Dr. Joseph Onoja at the  Conference room of the Ministry said the Lagos State in conjunction with Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is set to hold the 2024 18th edition of the annual “Walk for Nature” on Saturday, October 19, 2024

He explained that the walk aims at Promoting a healthy lifestyles and improve physical fitness of the participants saying NCF has  been collaborating with the State Government since 2008.

He said the theme for each year which is coined from the theme of the year’s World Environment Day  “Land Restoration, Desertification and drought Resilience” with the slogan   – our land, our future  generation Restoration is apt as it supports the tree planting mandate.

“I will like to re-emphasize to our people that greening is to conserve the environment and it is for the future hence we believe that a million trees in 12months is not too much; it is a long target but we  believe it is achievable” he said.

The Commissioner said the collaboration  with NCF has in no small measure been promoting environmental awareness and advocacy on conservation matters in the State, while showcasing the excellent results of   Government in its environmental policies.

He added that the benefits derivable from this programme include but not limited to showing concerns and raising awareness in conservation matters through partnership and collaboration with the Private sectors and non-governmental organization in compliance with the SDG 17.

He stressed  that the programme is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal number 17 that a successful sustainable development agenda   requires partnerships between governments, the private sectors and civil society.

He explained that the programme over the years has continued to create awareness and sensitize Lagosians on the importance of Nature Conservation, Biodiversity as well as increasing the environmental health of the State through reduction of vehicular emission.

Wahab said the event over the years has also brought about a great deal of consciousness amongst Lagosians on the Island which is one of the 5 divisions of State and have been diversified to various local Government in the past to enlighten the citizenry on the importance of environmental protection and conservation.

“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: 15am” he said.

In his own remarks the Director General of Nigerian Conservation Foundation Dr Joseph Onoja said the he is confident that the collaboration has over the years yielded a positive reorientation and has enhanced the advocacy for Nature Conservation.

He said according to the United Nations,  this decade is the decade of eco-system restoration, adding that it is imminent at this time to draw peoples’ attention to the reality of Environmental conservation.

He urged residents of Lagos to come out enmass on Saturday to join the 3km walk saying everyone must know that we live in precarious times and be ready to protect Nature so that Nature in turn can protect human existence.

Those in attendance at the briefing were the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji and Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services Engr. Mahamood Adegbite,  top officials from NCF, environmental enthusiasts as well as Directors in the Ministry.