Nestlé Nigeria, Lagos State Environment Ministry Mark World Environment Day 2021 With Trees Planting
L-R: Mr Adeyemi Olalekan, Education Secretary, Ifako Ijaiye Local Education Authority; Dr Hassan Sanuth, Director Sanitation Services, Lagos State Ministry of Environment; Edidiong Peters, Public Affairs Specialist Nestle Nigeria; Chief George, Baale of Idiagbon community, Ifako Ijaiye; Mrs Owoyemi Olabisi, Director, Admin and HR, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Mrs Monsurat Banire, Lagos State Ministry of Environment.
Nestlé Nigeria and Lagos State Ministry of Environment have planted 60 trees across 6 primary schools and communities in Lagos.
This is the first step in their collaboration on Ecosystem Restoration which aims to plant 50,000 trees in the state in 2021.
Safeguarding the environment is a collective responsibility and Nestlé says it is delighted to partner with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment on this initiative to leverage nature’s own solutions to reduce carbon footprints to help slow down climate change.
Speaking on the collaboration on World Environment Day, the Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Victoria Uwadoka said, “Natural resources are shared by everyone and must be preserved for people today and for generations to come. Our partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Environment on Ecosystem Restoration is in line with our commitment to protect the environment for future generations.
Trees do not only provide aesthetic value, but also optimize air quality. According to a popular proverb, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago and the second-best time is now, so we are taking action together, today.”
The World Environment Day is celebrated on the 5th of June annually to raise global awareness and action for the protection of the environment. This year’s commemoration is expected to galvanize global efforts and initiatives that address the growing concerns around the environment such as climate change, global warming, food security and water supply.
Speaking at the tree planting, Dr Hassan Sanuth, Director Sanitation Services Department, Lagos State Ministry of Environment and Water Resources who represented the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry said, “The call to action on Ecosystem Restoration for this year’s celebration recognizes the need to massively accelerate restoration of our ecosystems, pushing to halt and reverse the decline of the natural world. The huge social and economic development in the state has also had some negative impacts on the environment. Many communities in Lagos State are named after landmark ecosystems which, unfortunately, have been destroyed by the activities of mankind. We all need to act together in making sure we restore the environment to serve us better”.
The World Environment Day 2021 offers an opportunity for reflection and collaborations on appropriate and effective measures in promoting environmental sustainability.
Nestlé Nigeria continues to work alongside stakeholders as partners to protect the environment for future generations. The company is investing in the development of sustainable packaging, enhancing responsible water stewardship and helping to create awareness of sustainability among children and stakeholders.
Victoria Uwadoka reiterated that Nestlé will continue to work with stakeholders and partners to advance the health of the planet while driving societal progress.
The 2-Day World Environment Day celebration in Lagos State focused on measures for restoring the ecosystem around the state. The activities culminated in the unveiling of the Urban Regeneration Garden along the Lekki-Epe expressway by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babjide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.
