The Canadian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Teshome Nkrumah, has called for more sustainable protection of the environment to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Nkrumah made the call while giving a keynote speech at a dinner/award night to mark the 40th-anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) on Saturday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the event was “Only One Earthâ€.
Nkrumah noted that though “climate change is and will be for a while the defining crisis of our timeâ€, he was optimistic that with shared responsibility on the efforts of individuals and governments, it could be controlled.
He showered encomiums on the NCF for its consistency in championing the crusade for environmental protection, biodiversity and sustainability for the past 40 years.
“Climate change will nonetheless require a fundamental transformation in all aspects of society.
“How we grow food, use land, transport goods, and power our economies.
“Many nature-based solutions can help to achieve the decarbonisation of our economiesâ€, Nkrumah said.
Also speaking, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu expressed joy that the Founder of the NCF, Chief Lawal Edu, of blessed memory, was an illustrious son of the state.
Sanwo-Olu was represented by Mr Mobolaji Ogunlende, Special Adviser on Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations.
Sanwo-Olu said that it was also important to note that the death of Edu did not lead to the death of his dream for nature conservation, protection of biodiversity and environmental sustainability.
According to him, Edu gathered all worthy friends and associates who have been able to continue the good work for 40 years.
He said that one of the enduring partnerships between the state government and the NCF had been in the “Walk for Nature†project which had continued for over 15 years.
The governor said that the project had continued to sensitise the public on the need for environmental protection, sustainability and conservation of nature.
NAN reports that one of the highlights of the event was the presentation of awards: Special Recognition award, award of dedicated service, long service award and posthumous award.
The Founder of the NCF, Late Chief Lawal Edu, among others, got the foundation’s posthumous award.
Chief Emeka Anyaoku (MFR), a former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and General Theophilus Danjuma (retd) GCON, got the special recognition award.