The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development, pledging continued support for the Nigerian Conservation Foundation’s (NCF) One Billion Indigenous Trees Legacy Project.
Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance at the NCF Green Ball, held on Saturday night to honour its President Emeritus, Chief Philip Asiodu.
The governor was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin.
Sanwo-Olu described the initiative as a fitting tribute to Asiodu, whose contributions to public service and environmental conservation span several decades.
He called Asiodu an embodiment of distinguished public service, noting that he had devoted 46 years to the NCF, including 25 years as president of its Board of Trustees.
The governor said the annual celebration, themed “Restoring Our Forests, Securing Our Future,” highlighted the urgent need for sustained national commitment to forest restoration and biodiversity conservation.
He said forest degradation and biodiversity loss threatened ecological balance, livelihoods and climate security.
Environmental protection remained central to Lagos State’s development vision, Sanwo-Olu said, particularly because it is a coastal megacity and major economic centre.
“Our administration is advancing this commitment through investments in drainage and flood mitigation, waste management, environmental sanitation, urban greening, tree planting and climate resilience,” he said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s determination to protect natural ecosystems, expand urban greening, strengthen environmental infrastructure and integrate sustainability into its development programmes.
Sanwo-Olu said the Asiodu One Billion Indigenous Trees Legacy Project aligned with the state’s environmental objectives.
He stressed that forest restoration involved more than planting seedlings: it required protecting native species, rebuilding natural habitats, ensuring planted trees survived and empowering communities.
“The success of this initiative will ultimately be measured by the forests restored, the ecosystems protected and the communities whose futures are secured,” he said.
He commended the NCF, under the leadership of its president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for promoting environmental conservation and initiating the project.
Sanwo-Olu urged the private sector, development partners, community leaders and Nigerians to support the initiative, describing environmental protection as a collective responsibility.
“The greatest tribute we can pay to Chief Asiodu is to ensure that his lifelong commitment inspires a new generation of Nigerians who understand that protecting nature is inseparable from protecting our collective future,” he said.
He called for a shift from advocacy to practical action and measurable results in environmental conservation.
The governor congratulated Asiodu and reaffirmed the Lagos State Government’s commitment to collaborating with the NCF on environmental protection and sustainable development.
The event’s highlights included the unveiling of the Asiodu One Billion Indigenous Trees Legacy Project.
