Environment
By Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has urged residents to take proactive measures to address land degradation and enhance resilience to drought.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said this at the grand finale of the 2024 World Environment Day Celebration on Saturday in Lagos.
Wahab said the state was not immune to natural challenges of being a megacity with growing population and rapid urbanisation.
He described the theme: “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, as a call to action to address the challenges of land degradation, desertification, and drought issues that threaten the existence and future of the planet.
Wahab said that land degradation, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change, affects about 1.9 billion hectares of land globally.
He explained that desertification is the process by which fertile land becomes desert and this happens in over 168 countries making it one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time.
He stressed that droughts have become more frequent and severe, exacerbating the impacts of climate change and threatening the resilience of the ecosystems.
“In our nation, these challenges are particularly pronounced as Nigeria, with its vast and diverse landscapes, faces significant threats from land degradation and desertification, especially in the northern region,” Wahab said.
He said that desert encroachment and the loss of arable land were affecting agricultural productivity, water resources, and the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians
He emphasised that the health nature of the land directly impacts food security, water availability, biodiversity, livelihoods and overall well-being.
He added that these crises affect millions of people worldwide.
“Sustainable Land Management initiative not only enhances soil fertility and productivity but also separates carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation,” Wahab said.
Wahab stated that there is a Community Engagement and Education initiative meant for empowering communities with knowledge and crucial resources.
He added that the state is conducting extensive outreach programmes to educate farmers, local leaders, and citizens on sustainable practices that promote land restoration and drought resilience.
“The journey ahead may be daunting, but I am confident that with our collective determination, we can overcome these challenges.
“Our efforts to restore our land, combat desertification, and enhance our resilience to drought will yield lasting benefits for our environment, economy, and future generations,” he said.
The commissioner who also dwelt on enforcement efforts of the administration said there was no going back on the application of the law to all environmental infractions.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, noted that the ecosystems are under immense pressure from urbanization, climate change, pollution, and unsustainable land use practices.
He added that amidst these challenges lies an opportunity for all to come together, re-imagine the relationship with nature, recreate sustainable solutions, and restore the balance that is essential for the well-being of the planet and future generations.
He said the state government has long been at the forefront of environmental conservation and sustainability efforts which include tree planting initiatives to waste management reforms.
He said another example could be seen in the recent ban on styrofoam food containers amongst other saying, the government has demonstrated the unwavering commitment to environmental management.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary Office of Environmental Services, Dr Gaji Tajudeen, reminded participants of the environmental challenges confronting the planet.
Tajudeen noted that the World Environment Day celebration serves not only to raise awareness but also to inspire action towards sustainable practices that would safeguard the environment for generations to come.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Soladoye Iwajomo, described land restoration as the process of arresting degradation or rehabilitating degraded land and restoring its productivity through reforestation, soil conservation and protecting natural processes.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Green Awards were presented to private sector operators in Environmental Sustainability, Environmental Reporting and Environmental Restoration Categories respectively. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Author: Fabian Ekeruche
Lagos seeks proactive measures against land degradation
NCF, partners seek sustainable action, for ocean conservation
Lagos June 8, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) and its partner, Lekan Bakare Foundation, have called for sustainable action, understanding and passion for the conservation of oceans.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the call was made at the clean-up of Elegushi Beach, Lekki, to mark the 2024 World Oceans Day with the theme: “Awaken New Depths.”
Speaking at the event, Dr Joseph Onoja, the Director-General, said the World Oceans Day call for an action for the protection of the oceans.
Onoja said that if the use of something is not known, abuse was inevitable, adding that the World Oceans Day call for action for the protection of the oceans.It is important for people to understand what the ocean habitat is and the role it plays in trying to create an ecosystem balance so that it will continue to protect the planet earth and humans,” he said.
He noted that the ocean and planet would always take care of itself but humans cannot take care of themselves because they depend on the earth, the ocean and the environment.
Onoja who described the theme for the 2024 as apt, said it called for shared understanding and passion and collaborations in protecting the oceans.
According to him, individuals, corporate organisations and everyone has a role to play in protecting the ocean so that the ocean would in turn come to protect us.
Onoja called for responsible management of wastes in order not to find their way into the ocean.
He said that the NCF, the foremost environmental conservation organisation, would continue to urge individuals to take responsible action in the way they treat the earth and the ocean.
Mr Desmond Majekodunmi, Council Member, NCF, said the World Oceans Day draws attention to the importance of the oceans noting that the oceans occupy 70 per cent of the earth.
He said that as a result of human activities, the population of fishes in the oceans have reduced tremendously.
According to him, climate change and global warming were impacting the oceans to a great extent and everyone should do everything possible to protect the ocean and marine life.
Also speaking, Abiola Chembas, the Chief Operating Officer, Lekan Bakare Foundation, said that it was important to clean up the ocean for the sustainability of the oceans and the creatures that live in them.
Chembas said the Lekan Bakare Foundation seeks to protect Nigeria’s ocean and coastline by leveraging SDG 14 – Life under Water .
According to her, the ocean is a source of livelihood for many Nigerians, and it is threatened by the adverse effects of climate change.
She added that it was important that we ensure the protection of the ocean and promote ecosystem growth.
Also speaking, Jesusorefunmi Soneye, a 12-year- old volunteer, at the ocean clean-up told NAN that from the pre-clean up advocacy, he learnt that it was important to clean the ocean and keep it free of plastics.
Soneye, a student of A & T school Agege, said that if fishes in the ocean consume plastics and are in turn eating by humans, it may become cancerous to the body.
NAN reports that many volunteers and partners showed up for the clean-up at the Elegushi beach.
At the end of the exercise, a total of 371. 3 kg wastes were gathered from the ocean side. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
