WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY: SAFE GUARDING THE PLANET REQUIRES EVERYONE’S TRANSFORMATIVE ACTION – LASG
The Lagos State Government on Wednesday stated that safe guarding the planet requires not just awareness, but a deliberate and transformative action by everyone.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab made this known during the Year 2025 World Environment Day Celebration held at the Ifako Ijaiye Secretariat, Ogba saying this year’s theme draws urgent attention to an alarming global threat of plastic pollution and its impact on the ecosystem.
The Commissioner represented by the General Manager, Lagos Wastewater Management Office, Engr. Adefemi Afolabi explained that the programme is being held simultaneously at the five divisions of Lagos with the theme: “ENDING PLASTIC POLLUTION.” focused on combating plastic pollution under the campaign #BeatPlasticPollution.
He added that the theme draws attention to the core objectives of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), 12, 14 and 15 which includes reducing waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse, while promoting responsible consumption as well as production and protecting marine life and preserving terrestrial biodiversity.
He said plastic waste cloggs waterways, litters streets and seeps into the ocean saying two thirds of these plastics are short-lived products that become wastes and filled the ocean while eventually finding their way into the human food chain.
He said the need to unite to break addiction with plastics is now, adding that everyone must champion zero waste and build a truly circular economy by switching from single use of plastic to reusable and biodegradable packaging.
He highlighted the unique environmental challenges faced in Lagos which is strongly driven by population explosion, largely due to the influx of people from neighbouring States and countries adding that the surge in population has led to a significant rise in commercial activities that places immense pressure on the already streched environmental resources.
He said it is crucial to recognize that a piece of plastic takes about 500 to 1000 years to decompose and this contribute to long-term environmental degradation while the resultant effect on the environment has become alarming and can no longer be ignored.
He said the Ministry remains fully committed alongside sister agencies and in line with its statutory responsibilities is leaving no stone unturned in addressing these challenges by launching several initiatives such as Environmental Education Advocacy/Awareness programme.
“Distinguished Participants, It is incumbent on this administration to ensure that necessary tools required to improve environmental sustainability in the State are given utmost priority” he said.
He recalled that in order to demonstrate the unwavering commitment of the present administration in this direction, the Ministry has placed a ban on the use of Styrofoam packages and plastic bags of less than 40 micrometers.
He urged everyone to heed the clarion call by adopting a renewed sense of purpose and protect the fragile environment as well as ensure a sustainable environment for generation unborn through their actions.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Dr. Tajudeen Gaji noted that the goal of the present administration is to create a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient Lagos where public health outcomes are improved by the quality of the environment.
The Permanent Secretary who spoke through the director of research in the State Environmental Protection Agency, (LASEPA) Mrs Warees Sholanke. Hassan Sanuth said plastic pollution poses a serious health risk, blocked drainages and precipitate flooding which increases the spread of water-borne diseases.
He added that the burning of plastics releases toxic fumes that pollute the air and compromise respiratory health, especially among vulnerable populations like children and the elderly.
According to him, However, Government action alone is not enough. We need collective ownership on this issue.
The private sector must invest in sustainable production and responsible waste disposal.
The programme climaxed with an award ceremony which was given to three best three cleanest streets in the division.
The celebration which started on Tuesday also featured a walk for Nature and clean up exercise across the five divisions of the state.
Signed
Kunle Adeshina
Director Public Affairs
MOE&WR
Wednesday, June 18th, 2025
