Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has stated that they have made significant strides in advancing environmental sustainability by setting a new standard for urban resilience across Africa.

Sanwo-Olu spoke at the 33rd National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the National Environmental Society (NES), tagged Eko 2024, saying, “We take environmental matters very seriously, as we have no choice but to do so, and we approach their issues with strategic planning.”

Represented by Dr. Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals, he explained that they have pursued intentional stewardship and a commitment to practices that balance human needs with ecosystem health, ensuring resources remain vibrant and available for future generations.

“There is a need for environmental resource management because conservation and protection have become urgent and complex as the population grows and industrial activities increase, while natural resources face unprecedented pressures. Our responsible management of these resources is essential.”

The Governor said this year’s theme is highly relevant to the current reality, as it calls for managing and protecting natural resources using advanced technology to achieve sustainable development. “Lagos is 0.1% of the landmass of the entire country, and 10% of the population of the entire country lives here. It’s 3,500 square kilometres, 20% of which is water.”

“Facing the challenges of rapid urbanisation and climate change, we are committed to innovative policies and strategic programmes aimed at building a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable Lagos. Our first major focus has been on waste management,” he added.

Also, Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun called for massive investment in tertiary institutions of technology through the provision of subsidised credit from National Development Banks and other measures that would improve Nigeria’s technology drive towards sustainable development.

Fagbohun, a former Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), noted that to make this achievable, the government must provide reliable and affordable electricity, substantial investment in infrastructure, and public guarantees of risk insurance incentives that can lower upfront costs.

In a presentation, the National President of the National Environmental Society (NES), Dr. Efegbidiki Okobia, stressed that the Annual General Meeting is aimed at bringing environmental consciousness and sustainable projects to the fore, urging stakeholders to join hands in maintaining NES’s position as the foremost environmental watchdog in Nigeria.