Chief Ajuri Ngelale
On the auspicious occasion of World Environment Day celebrated annually on June 5th, President Bola Tinubu urges concerted efforts from citizens, stakeholders, institutions, and development partners to protect the environment and facilitate a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
Established by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, World Environment Day serves as a crucial platform for raising awareness about environmental issues.
This year’s theme, ‘Land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience’, holds particular significance for Nigeria, where drought poses a threat to certain regions of the country.
With projections from the UN Convention to Combat Desertification indicating that approximately 40 percent of the world’s land is degraded, impacting half of the global population, urgent action is imperative. Additionally, the Convention warns of a 29 percent increase in the number and duration of droughts since 2000, with potential ramifications affecting over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050 if swift measures are not taken.
In alignment with Nigeria’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, President Tinubu established the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, tasked with overseeing the nation’s climate mitigation and adaptation efforts, as well as promoting green economy initiatives.
Furthermore, the President has sanctioned the establishment of Nigeria’s inaugural Green Industrial Zone, Evergreen City, positioned to become Africa’s leading manufacturing hub for renewable energy technologies, green solutions, and climate-adaptation technologies.
Reiterating his dedication to planting 25 million trees by 2030, President Tinubu emphasizes the dual purpose of safeguarding the environment and fostering opportunities for Nigerian youths within the green-economy sector.
While advocating for proactive measures such as afforestation, water conservation, and an end to indiscriminate deforestation, President Tinubu underscores the imperative to heal our world by prioritizing the restoration and preservation of our land and its inhabitants.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)