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Lagos tasks residents on environmental sustainability, ecotourism

By Victor Gbonegun
23 October 2017   |   4:00 am
Notwithstanding the high rate of urbanisation in Lagos State, the authorities have called for collaborations of effort by all stakeholders in the environmental sector towards protection of the ecosystem and building the tourism potentials of the state.

Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode

Notwithstanding the high rate of urbanisation in Lagos State, the authorities have called for collaborations of effort by all stakeholders in the environmental sector towards protection of the ecosystem and building the tourism potentials of the state.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said the Cleaner Lagos initiative and the recently passed environment laws are both geared towards the preservation of the environment in a holistic and sustainable manner, which could transform the state to a tourists haven.

The Governor stated this at the weekend during the 2017 ‘Walk for Nature’ with the theme;”Cleaner Lagos: The foundation for Sustainable Ecotourism” organized by the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) at the State House, Marina.

The Governor warned that the rich ecosystem in Lagos State which are home to a variety of aquatic and terrestrial plants and animals are under serious threat of extinction from a range of causes, chief of which is the rapid urbanization that has occurred in the state over the past five decades.

Represented by the State Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, he explained that scientific advances and growing environmental challenges such as global warming and wetlands encroachment are helping the society to understand the countless ways in which natural systems support the prosperity and well-being of the people.

“The Lekki Conservation Centre offers us a glimpse into what is achievable if we set our minds to it, and shows that working together is our best chance of success. The NCF and Chevron must be commended for their efforts at conserving the piece of tropical paradise for us and for the future generations to enjoy”, he said.

The President Board of Trustees, NCF, Chief Philip Asiodu observed that the theme for this years’ walk was a clarion call for an ideal city and the essence of making a cleaner environment, a top priority.

Asiodu said NCF has taken the bold step at coordinating efforts to regreen Nigeria through its formulated programme titled:”Green Recovery Nigeria” initiative.

The NCF boss called for support from government, corporate organizations and individuals in achieving the recovery of the Forests for the future generation

“We cannot attract and sustain ecotourism to the metropolitan city of Lagos and its environs if we do not ensure that it has clean and healthy environment. Walk for Nature is an awareness campaign platform for environmental protection, nature conservation, biodiversity and sustainable development among the citizenry. Environmental education needs to be promoted at all levels and even entrenched in school curriculum”, Asiodu explained.

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