15th August, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has restated his administration’s commitment to working closely with experts, organizations, and the global community to ensure that the State remains at the forefront of climate change action in the country.
Sanwo-Olu stated this at the 10th Summit of the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) with the theme “Climate Change: Man, Nature, and Threat to Life: Lagos State, a Case Study” at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja.
Speaking through the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, the governor 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, saying that the complex interplay between urban development, population growth, and environmental preservation demanded innovative solutions and decisive action.
According to Sanwo-Olu, the fight against climate change is a journey, not a destination, adding that while “we have made significant progress, there is still much work to be done, since the challenges faced demand continuous innovation, collaboration and adaptation.”
He urged stakeholders that included government agencies, civil society, the private sector and citizens to join hands in the critical endeavour of Climate Change, as it knows no boundaries, and its impacts spare no one.
Sanwo-Olu said that the power of collective action would help to create a sustainable and secure future for everyone and generations to come.
The governor also stated that one of the cornerstones of his administration’s approach to combating the effect of climate change in Lagos had been the promotion of sustainable practices and policies across various sectors.
He said the state has actively engaged in initiatives that encouraged 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 spectrums 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 said.
Besides, he stated that part of the 38 projects in the climate change plan was to build an 18km embankment and sea walls which would protect over 2.7 million people, with 700,000 of whom are vulnerable populations, through more partnerships.
The governor stated that his administration planned to attract low-cost public funding, and possible commercial investment to support its resilient journey.
“In the realm of urban planning, the state has 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 prioritizes 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, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola said that Lagos is a beacon of proactive change; a model for responsible co-existence with its environment becoming a testament to the present administration’s commitment to safeguarding life on earth.
He added that in combating the challenges of climate change in Lagos State, the administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu 2020, unveiled a five years Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2020-2025 with the ultimate goal geared toward achieving a zero-carbon Lagos, with the expectation of transforming the State into emission-neutral city by 2050.
The Head of Service stressed that 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.”
In his welcome address, the President of ALARHOSPS, Dr. Olufemi Olugbile stated that the summit arose as a mechanism for the association to fulfill its mandate as a think-tank for the government and the good people of Lagos State.
Olufemi said, “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 lives of our people will be assured, enhanced, and greatly enriched as a result of our collective effort.”
He said Climate change is an undeniable reality that “we have brought upon ourselves through our uncontrolled/unsustainable interaction with the environment with dire consequences that transcends borders, ideologies, and generations.
“The effects are already with us, manifesting in various forms including excessive drought, heat, flooding etc. It is a challenge that requires collective responsibility and unwavering commitment to safeguard our planet and the lives it sustains.”