The Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), government officials and private sector leaders have called for stronger climate action, environmental stewardship and sustainable development in Nigeria.
The call was made during activities marking the World Environment Day (WED), observed annually on June 5 to promote environmental awareness and action.
The Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from nature in addressing climate change and environmental challenges.
Onoja said nature provides practical models for innovation, citing the peregrine falcon, regarded as the world’s fastest bird, as an example.
According to him, the bird’s speed and hunting techniques have inspired technological designs, demonstrating nature’s value in solving human problems.
“Nature has all the models we need to lead well on earth. We must learn from it and apply those lessons,” he said.
Onoja said environmental conservation was ultimately about protecting humanity rather than nature alone.
He warned that while the earth could regenerate itself, human survival depended on maintaining a healthy environment.
“If we do not take care of the earth, it may eventually restore itself by getting rid of us,” he said.
He called on individuals and organisations to take practical actions toward climate protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Onoja also appreciated First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Union Bank, MTN Nigeria and other partners for supporting the event.
Also speaking, Mr Diran Olojo, Divisional Head, Corporate Affairs, FCMB, called for stronger collaboration among governments, businesses and citizens to address climate change.
Olojo described climate change as a present reality affecting livelihoods, communities and economic growth.
He said flooding, rising temperatures, water scarcity and energy security concerns were becoming increasingly significant challenges.
According to him, sustainability should be integrated into business, investment and policy decisions rather than treated as a secondary issue.
He said environmental, social and governance considerations had become part of the institution’s lending, investment and risk management processes.
Olojo disclosed that support for climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy financing and financial inclusion initiatives had been expanded.
He said renewable energy programmes were helping households and businesses transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
The executive warned that failure to protect the environment could result in increased flooding, insecurity, disrupted livelihoods and weaker economies.
He urged citizens to embrace actions such as tree planting, recycling, proper waste disposal and sustainable investments.
A climate action advocate, Mr Daze Nga, said climate change remained one of the most urgent environmental challenges facing humanity.
Nga said rising temperatures, droughts, floods and extreme weather events showed that climate change was no longer a future threat but a present reality.
He urged governments, businesses and individuals to work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build climate resilience.
According to him, transitioning to clean energy, sustainable transportation and climate-resilient infrastructure remains critical.
Nga noted that Nigeria faces challenges including flooding, coastal erosion, desertification, oil pollution and ecosystem degradation.
He stressed that environmental protection requires collective action from all sectors of society.
Also, Mrs Olabimpe Adenaike, Director, Department of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, Federal Ministry of Environment, called for stronger partnerships to address environmental challenges.
Adenaike identified climate change, deforestation, desertification, biodiversity loss, pollution and land degradation as major environmental concerns.
According to her, the Federal Government remains committed to sustainable development through climate and environmental policies.
She cited the National Climate Change Policy, Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and the country’s target of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2060.
Adenaike said the Energy Transition Plan focuses on clean energy, transportation and expanded energy access nationwide.
She added that renewable energy solutions had been distributed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The director also highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the African Union’s Great Green Wall Initiative aimed at combating desertification.
According to her, the programme covers 11 frontline states and promotes land restoration, climate resilience and climate-smart agriculture.
She said improved waste management strategies were also contributing to climate action and sustainable development efforts.
“Environmental challenges transcend sectors and borders, making strategic partnerships essential for sustainable solutions,” she said.
The event featured environmental awareness activities and exhibitions by secondary schools from different parts of the country.
The schools showcased innovative projects using recycled and upcycled materials to promote environmental sustainability.
Participating schools included Noble House College, Abeokuta; Unique Minds International School, Ile-Ife; Brilliant Stars College, Ibadan; FIEF Academy, Okota; and D’Cherub Schools, Ajah.
Others were Obele Community Senior High School, Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School, Lagos City Senior College, Yaba, Surulere Senior Secondary School and Lagos Progressive Senior Secondary School.
The students’ presentations highlighted the role of young people in environmental protection and sustainable development.
The event ended with the presentation of awards to partners and participating students. (NAN)
