Sanwo-Olu pledges continued commitment to environmental sustainability
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to environmental resilience on Thursday, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in fostering sustainability.
The Governor made this declaration at the Art Exhibition and Symposium titled “The Intersecting Worlds of Climate Change, Mangrove and Art” held at the Nigerian Conservation Foundation in Lekki.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Barr. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, highlighted the vital intersection of environmental sustainability and creative expression showcased in the event.
Sanwo-Olu, through Salu-Hundeyin, underscored how art serves as a powerful advocacy tool to raise awareness of the fragility of our natural ecosystems and inspire action to mitigate the growing impacts of climate change.
“Art provides a powerful platform for advocacy, a means to highlight the fragility of our natural ecosystems while inspiring action,” the Governor remarked.
He further emphasized the crucial role of mangrove forests, which serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion and floods, while supporting local fisheries and providing livelihoods for many communities.
“Mangroves play a critical role in combating global warming by storing vast amounts of carbon dioxide,” Sanwo-Olu added.
He also noted that protecting mangroves is essential not only for conserving biodiversity but also for safeguarding the future by preserving these ecosystems and strengthening defenses against climate threats.
The Governor called for continued collaboration and innovation to create a more sustainable, greener, and resilient Lagos for future generations.
In his keynote address, the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, delivered a message through the Special Adviser to the President on National Economic Council and Climate Change, Mrs. Rukayat El-Rifai.
Shettima emphasised the confluence of three critical worlds: climate change policy, mangrove ecosystems, and the world of art and creativity. He stated that while these realms may initially seem unrelated, their intersection could hold the key to addressing one of the greatest challenges of our time: climate change.
Earlier, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, welcomed the participants, noting the event’s importance in raising awareness, fostering collaboration, and spurring meaningful action toward environmental sustainability in Lagos.
Wahab said that the theme was particularly relevant for Lagos, given the state’s extensive coastline, lagoons, and rivers.
He stressed that the state’s mangrove forests are invaluable natural treasures, serving as protective barriers against erosion, absorbing carbon emissions, and providing habitats for diverse marine life.
However, he warned that these ecosystems face increasing threats from deforestation, pollution, and rapid urbanization, further exacerbating environmental challenges.
“The degradation of our mangroves only intensifies these challenges,” Wahab stated.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to mangrove conservation, ensuring that these ecosystems continue to protect communities and remain a legacy for future generations.
In his presentation, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat, Mr. Simon Stiell, spoke on the necessity of involving Nigerian society in the implementation of the country’s national climate plans.
Stiell pointed out that a robust Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement could drive green growth and sustainable development, benefiting the Nigerian economy.
He also said the global shift toward clean energy, noting that countries investing in their people and strengths would benefit the most from the anticipated $2 trillion boom in clean energy.
