14th Lagos Walk for Nature Holds on Saturday

14th Lagos Walk for Nature Holds on Saturday

Segun James

The 14th edition of the Annual Lagos Walk for Nature which is organized by the Lagos State Government in conjunction with Nigerian Conservation Foundation NCF hold will this year next Saturday.

Speaking at a press conference to sensitize the public on the importance of year 2021 Annual Walk for Nature on Monday at Alausa, Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tunji Bello called for a behavioural change in favour of biodiversity conservation, adding that as people conserve biodiversity around them, they conserve their lives.

He said Lagos State Government had since 2008 been collaborating with Nigerian Conservation Foundation to enlightening the citizenry on the importance of environmental protection and conservation through a yearly programme tagged “WALK FOR NATURE”

He stressed that the collaboration which has been on annually for the past fourteen (14) years on every third Saturday of October, adding that the theme for each year is coined from the theme of the Annual World Environment Day.

The Permanent Secretary, Office of Environment, Mrs Ronke Odeneye, who spoke on behalf of the Commissioner said the State Government is seeking to generate interest in conservation matters through partnership and collaboration with the Private sector and Non-governmental organization in compliance with the SDG 17.

Bello said Walk for Nature is an effort towards preserving Nature and improving the quality of lives of everyone and increasing the environmental health of the State through reduction of vehicular emission.

He mentioned that the event over the years has created a great deal of consciousness amongst Lagosians especially those on Lagos Island which is one of the 5 divisions of Lagos State.

“To further spread the awareness state-wide, this year’s programme has been extended to other parts of the State, and the commemoration will take place simultaneously in Ikeja Local Government, Surulere Local Government, and Ikoyi Obalende Local Council Development Area as a strategy to decentralize the awareness campaign and better reach out to the populace while complying with the COVID 19 protocols put in place by the State Government” he said.

The Chairman, Nigeria Conservation Foundation, Mr. Ede Dafinone while speaking, reiterated that the programme is to create more awareness on the activities that mount pressure on biodiversity and wildlife.

He said for so many years around the world, the use of non degradable materials have posed a significant problem especially pet bottles and styrofoam which are seen in the oceans and seas.

He explained that one third of all the fishes feed on some of these plastic which in turn human being consume and get exposed to Health dangers.

The 2021 Walk for Nature will hold on Saturday 23rd of October simultaneously in 3 location, namely Ikoyi, Ikeja and Surulere Local Government Areas.

Related Articles