In a bid to promote environmental sustainability and meet climate change targets, the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), in collaboration with the Lagos State Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) and the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA), have championed a symbolic tree-planting exercise at the Ferry Terminal in the Mile 2 area of Lagos. The initiative saw the planting of 57 trees, symbolizing the state’s ongoing commitment to greening its urban spaces.
Adetoun Popoola, the General Manager of LASPARK, explained that the agency is exploring diverse strategies, including involving top government officials, to significantly increase the number of trees planted across Lagos before the next Tree Planting Day.
This effort is in line with the directive of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who, during the year 2024 Tree Planting Day at Lagos House, Marina, challenged LASPARK to plant more trees within the next 12 months as part of efforts to combat climate change and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Popoola stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration and partnerships with stakeholders to ensure the success of this initiative.
She expressed gratitude to LASCODA for its support, specifically for planting 20 coconut trees at the terminal.
Highlighting the importance of coconut trees to the state’s economy, she noted their potential to boost coconut production in Lagos and across Nigeria.
Ensuring the survival of the planted trees is critical, according to Popoola, who assured that LASPARK would provide adequate maintenance, including watering and general care.
She also called on Lagos residents to get involved in tree planting, underscoring its numerous benefits for both the environment and the beautification of the state.
Hon. Abdoulbaq Ladi Balogun, Managing Director of LAGFERRY, emphasized the role of tree planting in advancing Governor Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES Plus agenda, particularly in the areas of Traffic Management and Transportation, as well as Health and Environment.
He assured that LAGFERRY’s sustainability department would maintain the trees planted at the terminal and encouraged the public to participate in the initiative, emphasizing its long-term benefits for the environment, climate change mitigation, and future generations.
Mr. Damilola Emmanuel, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), commended LASPARK and LAGFERRY for their commitment to environmental sustainability.
He noted that tree planting plays a vital role in saving lives and maintaining a clean, safe environment. Emmanuel also praised LAGFERRY for providing space for the tree planting exercise, a crucial contribution to LASPARK’s environmental goals.
In his remarks, Ajele Abayomi, Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Amuwo Odofin Branch, lauded LAGFERRY and LASPARK for their environmental efforts.
He also urged LASPARK to extend its tree planting initiative to parks within the union’s jurisdiction to promote a comprehensive environmental makeover.
Other prominent figures who participated in the event included Mrs. Adekanbi Adenike (General Manager, LASIAMA), Fatai Onafowote (Director-General, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency), Bilikiss Adebiyi (General Manager, LASRRA), Babalola Obilana (Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission), Olumuyiwa Oshin (Executive Director, Lagos State Pension Commission), and Doyin Akinyanju (Managing Director, IBILE Oil and Gas).
