Lagos, conservationists renew calls for environmental preservation

Seeking to preserve the environment for the sake of future generations, the Lagos State Government and conservationists have renewed calls for increased best practices to protect natural resources.

These calls were renewed at an event to commemorate the 2020 World Environment Day held recently at the Lekki Conservation Centre.At the event, hosted by the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) with support from Bonnie Bio Nigeria Limited, the stakeholders took turns to lament the adverse effects of mankind’s activities on the environment while calling for positive actions to reverse the unfortunate trend.

In her opening remarks, LASEPA General Manager, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, noted that COVID-19, although a viral infection, could be linked to man’s disrespect for his environment.

Adding that a day was not enough for the celebration of the environment, she underscored the importance of dedicating each day to preserving our “borrowed space” for generations to come.

She also commended the partnering company, Bonnie Bio, for being particularly concerned with “the way we live our daily lives with their production of biodegradable bags, cutleries and other fit-for-the-environment brands.”

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources and Environment, Mrs. Odeneye Belinda, underscored the need to make the environment sustainable.

Odeneye, who was represented by Mrs Banire, pointed out that it was not enough to pay lip service to the preservation of the environment. “Practise what you say in improving the environment. Walk the talk,” she said.

Nigeria’s first Miss Environment and founder, FABE International Foundation, Temitope Okunnu, called for the adoption and sustenance of environmental consciousness. She stressed the importance of building that consciousness in children.

While commending LASEPA’s efforts in managing the environment in Lagos, she advised that people take gardening up as a hobby to contribute to the preservation of the ecosystem.

Technical Director, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), Dr. Joseph Onoja, said protecting the environment is essentially protecting humanity. According to him, if we neglect this sacred duty, “the environment will always take care of itself” albeit “at our own detriment”.

Speaking on behalf of Bonnie Bio Nigeria Limited, Mrs Ogunbiyi Odun pledged the company’s full support for the state government’s biodegradable waste management policy.

Odun urged the government to introduce policies that would enforce the consumption of biodegradable products in public places in the state. The World Environment Day has been celebrated on June 5 every year since 1974.