Jun 5, 2009 - NCF World Environment Day Celebration
Today as we join the rest of the world to celebrate this year’s Environment Day, I congratulate the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, the premier environmental non-governmental organisation in Nigeria, for organising this event. I particularly commend you for all your efforts that are aimed at raising the awareness of the young ones on environmental issues.
“Your Planet Need You – Unite To Combat Climate Change” the theme of this year’s World Environment Day is no doubt in line with the current global challenge that has become a recurring issue at every fora in every part of the world.
The challenge we face today is that of adaptation to climate change and the appropriate actions we need to take to minimize the negative consequences not only on the present generation but also future generations. In other words, we need to take steps to ensure sustainability of the environment.
I believe a major issue towards ensuring appropriate response to the challenge of climate change is that of raising the awareness of the people on the cases and consequences of this phenomenon as well as what they need to do to mitigate the negative effects on individuals and the society at large.
I am aware that the Lagos State government is taking the issues of climate change as a matter of priority and this should be expected more so because of the coastal terrain of our state, what ever change in climatic conditions globally tend to have an effect on the state in some ways.
That is why the state government has declared July 14 of every year as the State Tree Planting Day as a way of raising public awareness to the urgent need to protect our environment. Also, strategies have been put in place to ensure that about a million trees are planted in the state before the year ends.
Sometime ago in the state, Climate Change Clubs were launched in schools as part of actions to sensitize and inculcate in the younger generation a willingness to be part of the solution to the challenges of global climate change.
The importance that the State attaches to this issues also informed the hosting of the first of its kind, a climate change summit where issues raised in the Kyoto Agreement were deliberated on and appropriate strategies to control the negative effects of global warming were examined.
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is obvious that the challenge of climate change is one that affects every part of the world; as such a pragmatic global solution is therefore required. The positive efforts of every country and citizen of the world is required to find and ensure a sustainable solution to this global crisis. I therefore implore everyone to partner with government at the different levels and organisations like the Nigerian Conservation Foundation at ensuring the minimization of ozone layer depletion and global warming through the adoption of friendly environmental habits of nature conservation.
Once again, I commend the good efforts of the NCF and urge you to continue to do more.
I thank you for your attention, God bless the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, God bless our dear Lagos State and country Nigeria.
Eko o ni baje
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State