In a robust move towards environmental sustainability, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) hosted the 2024 Greener Environment Stakeholders’ Forum on Thursday at LASEPA House, The Secretariat, Alausa.
Themed “Our Environment, Our Future,” the event brought together key players to elevate public consciousness about environmental protection.
In his keynote address, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi Akodu, Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, highlighted the crucial need for collective efforts in safeguarding the environment.
“Environmental protection is paramount for healthy living,” Akodu stated, praising LASEPA’s ongoing initiatives to foster a sustainable environment through education and advocacy.
Akodu stressed the importance of community action in combating environmental degradation, urging citizens to avoid harmful practices like indiscriminate tree felling, pollution, and bush burning. He emphasized the pivotal role of youth in environmental policies, proposing the designation of youth as environment ambassadors to foster a culture of sustainability.
Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of LASEPA, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the shared responsibility of environmental stewardship.
“The future of our environment depends on our collective action,” Ajayi remarked. He called for stronger public-private partnerships to address environmental challenges and thanked corporate sponsors such as Dangote, Nigeria Breweries, and Jubali Brothers for their support.
Guest speaker Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Chairman of Lekki Urban Forestry Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI), delivered a compelling lecture on the planet’s unique ability to support life and the urgent need to protect Earth’s delicate ecosystems. He lauded LASEPA’s efforts and warned of nature’s potential backlash if environmental degradation continues.
The forum also celebrated young minds through an essay competition, with cash prizes and plaques awarded to winners. Sowemimo Efunjola Olumayowa (Medicine and Surgery, LASU) clinched the first prize, followed by Bieni Precious Chinonso (History and International Relations, LASU) and Hamzat Kabir Olorunwa (Physiology, LASU) in second and third places respectively. Adebiyi Omotola Elizabeth (Mechanical Engineering, LASU) and Ashinze Emmanuel Chidi (Chemical Engineering, UNILAG) secured the fourth and fifth positions.
The event saw participation from various dignitaries including Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, and representatives from tertiary institutions across Lagos State. Their presence underscored a unified commitment to fostering a sustainable future for Lagos.
LASEPA’s 2024 Greener Environment Stakeholders’ Forum not only highlighted the critical environmental issues at hand but also inspired a collaborative approach to create a greener, healthier Lagos for generations to come.
