WordPress

Tag: LASG

  • Lagos seeks robust finance to mitigate climate change challenges

     

     

    Summit
    By Fabian Ekeruche
    Lagos June 13, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos state has called for  continuous increase and sustained financing to address climate change challenges in the state.
    Sanwo-Olu said this at the closing ceremony of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit, on Thursday, in Lagos.
    The governor emphasised the need for collaboration among governments, financial institutions, and international organisations to bridge the financing gap.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was represented at the summit by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat.
    Sanwo-Olu highlighted the urgency for governments to direct resources toward projects that provided tangible benefits for communities and ecosystems.
    “We are committed to fostering a supportive environment for climate finance and local adaptation initiatives, ensuring that all efforts align with the insights and expertise shared,” Sanwo-Olu said..
    He commended the participants for their resolve to work with all stakeholders to transform discussions into concrete actions that benefited both communities and the environment.
    He stressed that accelerating climate finance involved not only mobilising funds but also ensuring that these resources reached those most in need.
    He noted that to achieve the set objective required creating financial instruments that are accessible, equitable, and effective.
    Sanwo-Olu emphasised the government’s commitment to prioritising capacity building and knowledge sharing, adding that this would involve empowering local communities with skills, tools, and knowledge needed to develop and implement adaptation strategies.
    He also stressed the importance of strengthening policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action, while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and equity.
    According to him, climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised and vulnerable groups are not left behind.
    He highlighted the importance of giving women, youths, indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented communities a voice in  decision-making processes that affected their lives and livelihoods.
    NAN reports that experts at the summit highlighted innovative financing mechanisms, such as green bonds and climate insurance, and the importance of leveraging both public and private sector investments.
    The discussions underscored the necessity of a systemic shift in how financial resources are perceived and deployed for climate action. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FBO/CHOM/JNC
    ==============
    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Lagos seeks proactive measures against land degradation

    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)
    FBO/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma