Environmentalist calls for an end to pollution

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The Chairman of Lekki State Urban Forest and Animal Shelter Initiative, Desmond  Majekodunmi, has urged Nigerians to end the continued pollution of the environment.

The environmentalist, speaking at an event organized by the Dawn Project initiative on Wednesday to mark World Emissions Day 2022, said the world has about 12 years left to save the planet from the effects of climate change, before it becomes irreversible.

He said, “More than ever, it has become a necessity for us, especially as Nigerians, to start taking our environment seriously and caring for it. three to five million people die each year from waste and pollution deposited in the air and water around us.

"Nigerians tend to treat problems lightly, but this is no joke. From the government down, we cannot continue to live as if everything is fine, while the environment even in which we live is degenerating before our eyes.

"We need to stop pollution now. As humans, we have between eight and 12 years to make the necessary changes our environment needs before the damage becomes irreversible. Prevention, they say, is worth better than heal; we can't keep destroying our home and smiling."

Majekodunmi, who is a founding partner of the Dawn Project initiative, added that irresponsibility in decision-making by the government has also contributed negatively to environmental damage in Nigeria. Adding that he was happy to speak to a caliber of people who could effect positive change.

Senior Special Assistant to the Chief Executive of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, Dr. Adebola Odunsi, said raising awareness of climate change and its effects will require a collaborative effort from government and individuals.

However, he noted that the Lagos State government has put in place policies to facilitate the free distribution of information and encourage innovation in the space as much as possible.

“Lagos State is ready to collaborate with institutions, universities, international bodies and schools, to spread the message of climate change and instil this awareness early, in the younger generation.

"The Department of the Environment has a program called the Environmental Bee Project, which is an extracurricular activity in schools that students are encouraged to participate in. It teaches them the basics of environmental protection practices. environment from scratch, which they in turn would like to bring back to their communities and families, promoting sustainable and equitable use of our environment."

The representative of the Renewable Energy Department of the Bank of Industry, Mr. Idris Ibrahim, said the BoI will continue to encourage people to invest in alternative energy sources through its funding.

He said, “The BoI has weekly television programs on the Nigerian Television Authority and selected stations that broadcast what the BoI does and how people can benefit from our services.

"The bank maintains many contacts with stakeholders and customer forums, just to educate people on how they can participate in what the bank offers.

“When it comes to renewable energy, the bank offers 9% on loans collected every year, but many people don't know because they don't participate in these forums. We want to encourage as many people as possible not to be afraid and come participate in order to energize the industry and help sustainable alternative energy sources. »