Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has restated his administration’s commitment to working closely with experts, organisations, and the global community to combat and mitigate the effects of climate change and to ensure that the state remains at the forefront of climate action in the country.
Sanwo-Olu made this commitment on Tuesday while speaking at the 10th Summit of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) themed “Climate Change: Man, Nature, and Threat to Life: Lagos State, a Case Study,” which was held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, noted that Lagos State, as a dynamic and vibrant hub as well as a littoral state, faces unique challenges when it comes to climate change, adding that the complex interplay between urban development, population growth, and environmental preservation demanded innovative solutions and decisive action.
This was just as he declared that the fight against climate change was a journey, not a destination, noting that the state had made significant progress, even though there is still much work to be done since the challenges faced demand continuous innovation, collaboration, and adaptation.”
He urged stakeholders that include government agencies, civil society, the private sector, and citizens to join hands in the critical endeavour of Climate Change, saying that such a reality “knows no boundaries, and its impacts spare no one.”
According to him, the power of collective action will help create a sustainable and secure future for everyone and generations to come.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also stated that one of the cornerstones of his administration’s approach to combating the effects of Climate Change in Lagos had been the promotion of sustainable practises and policies across various sectors, saying that the state had actively engaged in initiatives that encourage responsible waste management, reduce carbon emissions, and increase energy efficiency, which is a major objective of the energy transition plan
“For instance, in 2018, the state government developed the Climate Action Plan, which is targeted at ensuring that the state achieves net zero by 2050.
“In addition, the state was willing to build resilient infrastructure in all public spheres that will see an immediate response to climate threats, ensure that the state has resilient communities, and be able to protect the vulnerable groups in our society,” he stated.
Besides, he stated that part of the 38 projects in the Climate Change Plan was to build an 18-kilometre embankment and sea walls, which would protect over 2.7 million people, 700,000 of whom were vulnerable populations, through more partnerships.
Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that his administration planned to attract low-cost public funding and possible commercial investment to support its resilient journey.
Speaking further, the governor disclosed that the state, in the realm of urban planning, had incorporated climate resilience into its development strategies through investments in flood control infrastructure, sustainable transportation systems, and green spaces, underscoring its dedication to building a more climate-resilient Lagos that prioritises the well-being of residents.
“Furthermore, understanding that education and awareness are key to driving change, the state has launched comprehensive campaigns to educate citizens about climate change and the roles they can play in addressing the issue. By fostering a sense of environmental responsibility and sustainability, we aim to create a groundswell of support for collective action,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Lagos State Head of Service (HOS), Mr Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said that Lagos is a beacon of proactive change and a model for responsible coexistence, with its environment becoming a testament to the present administration’s commitment to safeguarding life on earth.
The HOS added that in combating the challenges of Climate Change in the state, the administration of Sanwo-Olu unveiled a five-year Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2020-2025 with the ultimate goal of achieving a zero-carbon Lagos with the expectation of transforming the state into an emission-neutral city by 2050.
“As responsible inhabitants of this planet, “we have moral obligations to address the challenges posed by climate change, as it is crucial for us to take immediate and collective action to put in place measures to mitigate its impacts and create a more sustainable future.
“Transitioning to renewable energy sources, adopting eco-friendly practices, and promoting conservation efforts are steps in the right direction,” he said.
In his welcome address, the President of the Association of the Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS), Dr Olufemi Olugbile, stated that the summit arose as a mechanism for the association to fulfil its mandate as a Think-Tank for the government and the good people of Lagos State.
“It is my hope that the deliberations over the next couple of days will provide a useful guide on how we as a society navigate the terrain that we find ourselves in concerning this crucial matter and that the lives of our people will be assured, enhanced, and greatly enriched as a result of our collective effort,” Olugbile said.
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