Stakeholders have called for collective action to address climate change, protect ecosystems and promote environmental sustainability.
They made the call on Saturday at the 20th anniversary of the “Walk for Nature,” organised by the Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF).
The walk was held in collaboration with Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos State Government.
Held at LASU, Ojo, with the theme “Inspired for Climate Action,” the event brought together environmental advocates, government representatives, students and other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the state faced significant environmental risks because of its coastal location and growing waste burden.
The governor was represented by Dr Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
“The state generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with plastics accounting for an estimated 15 per cent,” he said.
He warned that indiscriminate waste disposal could block drains and drainage channels, worsen flooding and contribute to pollution of waterways and the lagoon.
The governor said wetlands, mangroves and lagoons served as natural defences against flooding and erosion, making their protection essential to Lagos’ environmental resilience.
He highlighted state measures, including restrictions on certain single-use plastics, public education and the suspension of unauthorised reclamation activities in wetlands, floodplains and lagoons.
Sanwo-Olu also cited investments in drainage infrastructure, mangrove restoration, tree planting and parks as part of efforts to improve environmental sustainability.
He urged residents to keep waste out of drains, reduce their use of single-use plastics and avoid building on wetlands and drainage channels.
The governor called on young people to embrace waste reduction, reuse and recycling, plant trees and encourage their communities to take responsibility for environmental protection.
In his remarks, Gaji stressed the importance of protecting wetlands and mangroves, promoting circular waste management and strengthening community participation in climate action.
His speech was presented by Mrs Tolulope Adeyo, Director of Conservation and Ecology, Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.
Gaji said the state’s tree-planting efforts, including a target of planting 20,000 trees in 2026, were part of broader measures to improve green infrastructure and environmental resilience.
He urged residents to support environmental programmes and adopt practices that would reduce pollution, protect biodiversity and help communities respond to climate-related challenges.
Mrs Olufunso Amosun, wife of former Ogun State Governor and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, urged students to become environmental ambassadors by spreading awareness.
She also encouraged them to promote responsible environmental practices among their peers and within their communities.
Amosun said changing weather patterns and seasons underscored the need for greater public understanding of climate change and its consequences.
She encouraged students to conserve water and energy, protect the environment and use available information to learn more about climate change and environmental degradation.
Amosun also highlighted the role of environmental education and youth empowerment in helping young people contribute to conservation while developing skills that could support their livelihoods.
She urged the students to translate their knowledge into practical action and inspire others to protect the environment.
The Chairperson of the NCF National Executive Council, Raliatu Adebiyi, said climate action required the commitment of individuals, institutions and all sectors of society.
Adebiyi urged students and other participants to protect wetlands, forests, waterways and green spaces, noting that these natural resources were essential to environmental sustainability.
She encouraged universities to promote sustainable practices on their campuses, including responsible waste management, and urged citizens to demand accountability in environmental protection.
The Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, described the anniversary as a milestone reflecting years of collaboration, resilience and public awareness of nature conservation.
Onoja said the initiative had benefited from partnerships involving schools, the state government and other organisations working to promote environmental protection.
He urged residents to take practical steps to combat climate change, including proper waste disposal and the protection of trees, wildlife and other natural resources.
According to him, individual actions, when combined, could improve ecosystem health and help address environmental challenges, including flooding.
Onoja said the foundation would continue to promote awareness and collaboration, stressing that the anniversary should inspire sustained action beyond the event.
Speakers at the event emphasised that environmental sustainability required cooperation among governments, educational institutions, conservation organisations, communities and individuals.
They urged participants to carry the message of the 20th anniversary beyond the walk and sustain efforts to protect nature for present and future generations.
Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, Seven Up Bottling Company and other partners also delivered goodwill messages in support of environmental sustainability.
