Lagos state government will continue to seek best ways of conserving and connecting its residents to the environment, the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Babatunde Adejare, has promised,
The commissioner made the promise on Sunday in Lagos at an event organised by the Nigerian Environmental Society (NES) at LUFASI Natural Park to mark 2017 World Environment Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of this year’s environment day is, ”Connecting People with Nature.”
Adejare was represented at the occasion by Dr Lukman Arjolaiya, Principal Scientific Officer, Environment Services Department at the ministry.
He warned that if the state does not seek ways of reconnection with nature, the future generations of its people would be at risk.
“Years ago, the people in Lagos are connected to nature, but with the current population explosion, the state has lost that connection.
“Every day, about 6,000 people come to Lagos and they have to be accommodated.
“Cities are centres of population explosion, ideas and engagements, so we must continue to find a way out,” he said,’’ he said.
Adejare pledged that the ministry would continue to support activities that would encourage environmental practices and conservation.
Mr Wasiu Anifowoshe, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, said the ministry needed the assistance of whistle blowers to ensure that residents reserve the compulsory 3 per cent of land area for greening.
Anifowoshe, represented by Mr Kunle Salami, the Director of Urban Development Department, urged the residents to monitor developments in their neighbourhood and alert the ministry of any misuse of building plans.
He said that the ministry would work with the Environment Ministry to ensure physical development in the state complemented good environmental practices.
In his remarks, Dr Desmond Majekodunmi, Managing Director of LUFASI, said some trees in the park had existed there for over 25 years.
He urged Lagosians to cultivate the habit of mingling with nature.
Prof. Lawrence Esemonye, President NES, called on the three tiers of government to ensure that their polices and actions turned out positively on the environment.
He reiterated the commitment of the society to connect young people with nature and also empower them to protect the natural world. (NAN)
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