Stakeholders from government, academia, and the conservation sector converged at Lagos State University (LASU) in Ojo on Saturday, October 17, 2026, to mark the 20th anniversary of the “Walk for Nature.” Organized by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and LASU, the event, themed “Inspired for Climate Action,” served as a clarion call for urgent, collective efforts to address the escalating threats posed by climate change and ecological degradation.
Lagos, a coastal megacity, remains particularly vulnerable to environmental instability. Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary of the Office of Environmental Services, highlighted the immense pressure on the city’s infrastructure. “The state generates about 13,000 tonnes of waste daily, with plastics accounting for an estimated 15 per cent,” Dr. Gaji noted. He warned that indiscriminate disposal of this waste—particularly single-use plastics—not only contributes to the pollution of the lagoon and waterways but also clogs drainage channels, significantly exacerbating the risk of urban flooding.
To combat these challenges, the Lagos State Government has implemented a multi-faceted approach, including strict prohibitions on certain single-use plastics and the preservation of wetlands, which act as vital natural defenses against erosion and storm surges. Dr. Gaji emphasized that the administration has suspended all unauthorized reclamation activities in wetlands and floodplains, urging citizens to refrain from illegal construction in these sensitive zones. Complementing these policies, the state has prioritized green infrastructure, with a 2026 target of planting 20,000 trees to enhance the city’s environmental resilience.
The event placed a strong emphasis on the role of youth as catalysts for environmental stewardship. Mrs. Olufunso Amosun, wife of the former Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, challenged students to transition from passive observers to active environmental ambassadors. “Changing weather patterns and shifting seasons underscore the need for greater public understanding,” she stated, urging the younger generation to embrace habits such as water and energy conservation, while translating environmental knowledge into practical, community-level actions.
The Nigeria Conservation Foundation, celebrating two decades of advocacy, reaffirmed its commitment to long-term sustainability. The NCF National Executive Council Chairman, Raliatu Adebiyi, noted that the path toward a healthier ecosystem requires unwavering dedication from all societal sectors. She specifically challenged universities to foster campuses that model responsible waste management and sustainable living, reinforcing the idea that academic institutions should serve as hubs for conservation innovation.
Dr. Joseph Onoja, Director-General of the NCF, described the 20th anniversary as a milestone of resilience. Reflecting on the evolution of the “Walk for Nature,” he noted that the initiative has effectively bridged the gap between policy makers and the public. “Individual actions, when combined, can influence the health of ecosystems and help address challenges like flooding,” Dr. Onoja said, adding that the foundation would continue to push for partnerships that move beyond symbolic gestures toward sustained, measurable environmental protection.
The event concluded with a strong consensus among all participants: that the survival of the state’s natural resources—its forests, mangroves, and green spaces—depends on a culture of shared responsibility. With support from corporate partners such as Zenith Bank, Fidelity Bank, and the Seven Up Bottling Company, the organizers underscored that the message of the anniversary must permeate deep into local communities, ensuring that the urgency of climate action is maintained for the sake of current and future generations.
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