From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

 

In a powerful message on World Environment Day, President Bola Tinubu has called for a united effort to safeguard the environment and transition Nigeria towards a prosperous and sustainable economy.

The President’s commitment to this cause, according to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, is evident in his establishment of the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions, which he chairs personally.

The statement noted that as part of his vision, President Tinubu has approved the establishment of Nigeria’s first Green Industrial Zone, Evergreen City. This groundbreaking initiative, the Presidency noted is poised to become the leading manufacturing hub in Africa for renewable energy technologies, green solutions, and climate-adaptation technologies.

The Presidency said the President’s unwavering support for this project underscores his belief in the power of innovation to drive sustainable development.

President Tinubu also restated his commitment to ensuring the planting of 25 million trees by 2030. This ambitious goal not only aims to protect the environment but also to create opportunities for Nigeria’s youth within the green-economy value chain.

He emphasis on the importance of afforestation, water conservation, and the cessation of indiscriminate felling of trees highlights his understanding of the interconnectedness of environmental protection and human well-being.

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In his message, President Tinubu emphasizes the need for a more proactive approach to protect the land and ecosystem. He called upon citizens, stakeholders, institutions, and development partners to join hands in this crucial endeavor.

The World Environment Day, established by the United Nations during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment in 1972, is an important moment for raising awareness on environmental matters.

This year’s theme, ‘Land restoration, desertification and drought resilience’, he said is very significant, particularly for Nigeria, where the scourge of drought threatens parts of the country.

According to the projections of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, about 40 percent of our planet’s land is degraded, which directly impacts half of the world’s population.

The UN Convention to Combat Desertification also says the number and duration of droughts have increased by 29 percent since 2000 and that without urgent action, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world’s population by 2050.