By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) has been instrumental in the environmental transformation of Lagos, spearheading strategic landscaping, beautification, and tree-planting projects across the state.
This was shared by the Honourable Commissioner for the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, during the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing on Friday at Alausa, Ikeja.
Mr. Wahab revealed that LASPARK had successfully reclaimed and enhanced several public spaces that were once marred by illegal trading and environmental violations.
Areas such as Gbagada, Alimosho, Alausa, Ijora, Lekki, Ikeja, Ajah, and Victoria Island are now transformed into serene and inviting spaces, offering recreational opportunities for sports, relaxation, and leisure.
The Commissioner also drew attention to the Agency’s ongoing tree-planting initiatives, noting that in 2023 alone, LASPARK planted 7,163 trees across Lagos Central, West, and East. As part of its efforts to further expand this initiative, LASPARK launched the “Trees for Lagos” campaign, aiming to plant an additional 50,000 trees over the next two years through cluster planting and the creation of urban forest gardens. The public was also offered free tree seedlings to encourage community involvement.
Wahab underscored LASPARK’s collaboration with both private and public organisations, such as Fidelity Bank Plc, Bowbonish Ltd, Purple Mall, and STL Trustees Ltd, to transform outdoor spaces like setbacks, roundabouts, and triangular loops into green zones. This initiative not only beautifies the city but also helps deter illegal dumping while improving the overall well-being of residents.
In partnership with the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), LASPARK set up a Waste Sorting Garden Hub at Abraham Adesanya in Ajah, fostering waste recycling and environmental sustainability.
Currently, LASPARK operates 12 functional recreational parks, and over the past year, the Agency hosted 870 events, drawing 274,845 visitors. During the festive season, park users were granted free entry. The Agency also undertook rehabilitation works at Ndubuisi Kanu Park (Alausa), Muri Okunola Park (Victoria Island), Ikorodu Park, and the football pitch at Ijora-Olopa.
The Commissioner reiterated the State Government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and its vision of creating a cleaner, greener Lagos for all its residents.