BREAKING NEWS, Environment
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THE Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has restated the commitment of the State government to plant trees on all new roads being constructed and create more parks in order to ensure that the state meets its target of ten million trees by the Year 2020.
The Governor stated this at a ceremony to mark the 2016 tree planting day, with the theme “LEND A HAND TO SAVE TREES” held at the Cherubim and Seraphim Primary School, Ikorodu.
Ambode charged Lagosians to plant more trees as it is the most reliable and cheapest means to combat the effect of global warming and climate change, while it can also help in the reduction of ocean surge and erosion with its attendant problem of displacement of homes and communities.
“Planting of trees is very important for our environment because trees provide oxygen, cools the atmosphere, helps conserve energy, save water, prevent erosion, save our children from ultra-violet rays, provide food and brings diverse groups together as we are doing today”.
While reminding the citizens that the State is a coastal city-state prone to several environmental challenges, he urged developers to adhere to all town planning and greening regulations in order to avoid jeopardizing the environment when providing infrastructure.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, — Idiat Oluranti Adebule, assured that his government is committed to the greening policy just as he proudly stated that the State has become a positive reference point in Nigeria in creating a green environment.
While calling for more support from greening partners, NGO’s, military, para-military and educational institutions, he announced that more parks are being built for recreational purposes and the light-up-Lagos initiative is to complement the beauty of the city as well as ensure that parks and gardens are safe.
In his address, Commissioner for the Environment, Babatunde Adejare, said planting of trees not only beautifies the environment, but also converts criminal hideouts and open spaces into orchids and woodlands.
While explaining the rationale for this year’s theme “lend a hand to save trees,” Dr. Adejare solicited for collaborative efforts in ensuring that provision made for infrastructural developments in order to meet human needs do not threaten the survival of trees in the environment.
“I agree that we need trees for food, shelter, furniture and other basic necessities of life. We must however understand that as felling of trees increases day by day, the ecological balance should be maintained. We should plant more and more trees in order to provide a minimum basic requirement for human existence”, he said.
— Jul 14, 2016 @ 19:58 GMT
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