Lagos State government has tasked residents on sustainable practices.
This was to tackle environmental crises and their impact on food security, water availability, biodiversity, and livelihood of citizens.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this during an event to round off the 2024 World Environment Day (WED) celebration.
The event, with the theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” was held in Ikeja.
Wahab, who commended members of staff of the ministry for their efforts in promoting policies that drive sustainable practices, said the state was committed to enforcing regulations that prevent land degradation, promote sustainable land use, and support restoration efforts.
He noted that land degradation, driven by unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and climate change, affects about 1.9 billion hectares globally.
“In Lagos State, we are not immune to the challenges.”
“We must take proactive measures to address land degradation and enhance our resilience to drought.
The health of our land directly impacts our water resources, food security, and overall well-being,” he said.
He also said that to tackle these issues, Lagos State had been promoting sustainable agricultural practices, reforestation, and afforestation projects to restore degraded lands and prevent further desertification, as well as empowering communities with knowledge and resources.
“These initiatives not only enhance soil fertility and productivity but also sequester carbon, contributing to climate change mitigation,” he said.
The commissioner also informed that the state was fostering partnerships with international organisations, research institutions, civil societies, and the private sector to leverage expertise, resources, and innovative solutions for a sustainable environment.
He added: “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.
“I urge everyone to take responsibility and act with urgency. Let us commit to sustainable practices in our daily lives, support restoration initiatives, and advocate policies that protect our environment.”
