Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has underscored the need for sustainable environment, assuring that his government will continue to be at the forefront of climate change campaign by promoting policies and initiatives for climate action.
The governor assured further that the state government will continue to strengthen policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action and remain steadfast in their commitment to inclusivity and equity.
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The governor spoke at the closing ceremony of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit held in Lagos recently with the theme, ‘Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives’.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, noted that climate action must be inclusive by ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups are not left behind.
“Women, youth, indigenous peoples, and other under-represented communities must have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods,” he said.
He added that the government must prioritize capacity building and knowledge sharing by empowering local communities with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to develop and implement adaptation strategies, noting that the skills involve not only technical training, but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Speaking on the impact of climate change which has not been uniform, the governor noted that the effects of climate change are felt most acutely at the local level, adding that it is at that level that adaptation strategies must be tailored and implemented.
“We have celebrated the ingenuity and resilience of local communities whose adaptive measures from sustainable agricultural practices to innovative water management systems serve as a powerful example of grassroots climate action,” the governor said, adding, “the theme of the summit explored the multifaceted dimensions of climate finance and local adaptation, recognising that both are crucial to building resilient communities and sustainable futures.”
According to him, experts have highlighted innovative financing mechanisms, from green bonds to climate insurance, and the importance of leveraging both public and private sector investments. “These discussions have underscored the necessity of a systemic shift in how we perceive and deploy financial resources for climate action,” he pointed out.
Sanwo-Olu stressed that government must continue to advocate for increased and sustained climate finance, emphasizing that governments, financial institutions, and international organizations must work collaboratively to bridge the financing gap and ensure that resources are directed towards projects that yield tangible benefits for communities and ecosystems.
He urged participants at the summit to leave with renewed determination, emphasizing that the work they do today will shape the future of the planet. “Together, we can accelerate climate finance, champion local adaptation initiatives, and create a world that is more resilient, sustainable, and just,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, Tokunbo Wahab, commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, had stated that the summit serves as a clarion call to action for all stakeholders in the state to think creatively, out of the box, and evolve proactive measures for protecting the lives and properties of Lagos residents.
The commissioner noted that the summit highlighted the different challenges of climate change in the state, stating the unique geography of the state as it is surrounded by water, waste management, among other challenges which present both opportunities and challenges.
“Lagos as a state has its challenges; it is a coastal place surrounded by water such as the Atlantic Ocean, which means we have to think differently and we have to change our destiny by taking proactive actions,” he says.
