By Orji Onyekwere
As major cities in Nigeria battle the challenges of plastic pollution to the environment; the Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, in collaboration with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and Ansibad Nigeria Limited (Professional cleaning & Environmental Services) have begun a massive campaign against plastic pollution.
The advocacy and awareness campaign programme tagged “Walk for Nature” was held on Saturday, at the Onikan Youth Centre, Onikan, Lagos
The ‘Walk for Nature’ is an initiative of NCF, LASG, and corporate organisations aimed at raising public awareness on critical environmental and sustainability issues in Nigeria. This is the 17th edition of the initiative which has seen the Lagos State government partnering with different corporate bodies in the past 16 years.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment & Water Resources, Barr Tokunbo Wahab harped on the need to find a lasting solution to plastic pollution which is considered one of the major causes of environmental degradation in the state.
“This year’s theme emphasizes the need to proffer lasting solutions to one of the major causes of environmental degradation in the State. Considering the hugeness of the negative impact constituted by Plastic Pollution, it then becomes an imperative to ensure that the issue is addressed without any further delay.
“To achieve best results, “All Hands must be on Deck’’ approach should be adopted. Conscious effort should be made by everyone to tackle this menace. Plastic pollution reduces the life span of human beings, plants and animals within the ecosystem.
It also results into flooding, thereby causing great havoc to life (both aquatic and terrestrial) and properties, which eventually lead to displacement of people from their original settlements.
“Tt also narrows the food basket of the State and invariably opens the door to starvation and famine. If this unpleasant scenario is not tackled, it might ultimately lead to total loss of biodiversity in the ecosystem. It is therefore paramount to take necessary actions to salvage the situation,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Special Assistant on Environment, Hon Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu noted that the government is doing its best to ensure that wastes are evacuated at the right time.
“The State Government in her efforts to ensure proper containerization and separation of waste at the point of generation is presently engaging major producers in the beverage and other sectors on the need to take responsibility for the end of life of these plastics through the extended producer responsibility to ensure cleaner and liveable Lagos.
The indiscriminate dumping of plastics and its presence in drainages, canals, waterways, dumpsites and its inability to biodegrade suggests that quick and alternative solutions be found to the menace of plastics in the environment to ensure the sustainability of our Mother Earth. These plastics pose a threat to humanity by altering natural ecosystems resulting in loss of habitat, biodiversity, and the climate”, the Governor noted.
In his contribution, the Chairman of the National Executive Council of NCF, Senator Ede Dafinone, outlined some of the simple solutions that can be adopted. They include: “To encourage sustainable consumer choices; Embrace eco-friendly packaging; Support clean-up initiatives; Promote plastic-free alternatives; Advocate for plastic-free oceans and Promotion of re-usable items more.”
Some the guests at the event include: An environmentalist, a Council Member of NCF, Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi who represented the NCF Chairman. Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, Dr. Tajudeen Omobolaji Gaji represented the Commissioner of Environment and Water Resources.
The 17th edition of the ‘Walk’ was held simultaneously at three different locations in Lagos with the theme, “Solutions to Plastic Pollution”. It brought together participants from corporate organisations, residents, students, and government officials.
The event kicked off, around 7 :am with a 3-km walk across some selected streets under Lagos Island East LCDA. Security agents, LAWMA, LASAMBUS and other government agencies provided support services for the event’s huge success.
Aside Ansibad Nigeria Limited, other sponsors include: Chevron Nigeria Ltd, Fidelity Bank Plc, AG Leventis, Aluko & Oyebode Partners, Nigeria Bottling Company, Access Corporation, Nestle Pure Life and Olufab Law Office among others.
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