The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) on Tuesday said that it had commenced a crackdown on companies and individuals who had continued to violate the Green laws on setbacks and perimeter fences.
The agency’s General Manager, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, disclosed this at a media parley held at LASPARK’s premises in Lagos.
Adebiyi-Abiola said that the crackdown became necessary in the face of flagrant violation of the law by banks, telecom companies, petrol stations, shopping malls, car parks and individuals.
According to her, the planting of trees has become a necessity for the purpose of combating the negative effects of climate change and also for the beautification of the society.
“It is pertinent to state that residents and organisations must respect the trees, the parks, the gardens, the railings, the medians, the lawns and all other properties of government.
“These facilities belong to all of us because they were provided from our taxes, therefore, we must guard them jealously,” she said.
The manager said that the agency had zero tolerance for cutting down of trees anywhere in the state without obtaining permissions from the agency.
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“Henceforth, the agency will no longer tolerate such practice and any act of vandalisation of its properties anywhere in the state.
“We are now adequately poised to sanction erring individuals or organisations that go against the Greening Law as provided for by the Act that established it,” she said.
Adebiyi-Abiola said that the agency had begun constant patrol of the state to curtail fragrant violation of those acts that were damaging to the greening ambition of the state government.
She said that this was to ensure total compliance of the greening law by the people.
“It is becoming imperative for private organisations to key into the government’s greening project by planting trees and preserving all the existing ones within their immediate environment,’’ she said.
The manager encouraged the citizenry to adopt tree planting as a way of life in recognition of the invaluable contributions of trees to our collective survival.
She said that Lagos State Government would mark the 2019 Tree Planting exercise on July 14 with the theme: “Clean and green is our perfect dream”.
According to her, the event will hold across all the 20 local government areas (LGAs) and 37 the local council development areas (LCDAs).
“Military formations and educational institutions will also play active roles.
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“I am delighted to inform you that this year’s campaign will be co-sponsored by some reputable organisations that have made useful contributions to the successful hosting of this year’s event,” she said.
Adebiyi-Abiola said that the organisations were GOKADA Nigeria Limited, AXXELLA Nigeria Plc and AXA MANSARD.
“GOKADA Nigeria Limited is an organisation that intends to reduce carbon emission through the planting of trees.
“They have not only made this pledge but have backed this up with action.
“They have pledged to plant a massive 100,000 trees in support of the tree planting project,” she said.
Adebiyi-Abiola said that the agency had also commenced an aggressive tree pruning across the state to forestall the dangers usually associated with trees falling during the raining season.
“I appeal to Lagosians to report overgrown trees and other established trees that may pose danger to lives and properties as quickly as possible for early intervention by the agency,” she said.
The manager added that park users and fun seekers patronizing the state-owned parks had increased in the last two years.
“We have recorded over five (5) million fun-seekers as well as event planners that had used the parks for various social activities,” she said.
Adebiyi-Abiola said that the agency had also been able to introduce some creative packages that had endeared parks and gardens’ usage to the heart of Lagosians.
“Some of these programmes include: ‘Library in the Park’ at the Ndubuisi Kanu and Muri Okunola Parks, and ‘Arts in the Park’ at Muri Okunola Park.
Also, the agency had introduced: “Fair in the Park’ at the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, Ikeja, “Love in the Park” event at the Johnson, Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park, Ikeja and ‘Asun in the Park’ at Jibowu Recreational Park, Yaba,” she said.
Adebiyi-Abiola called on the media to educate the populace about the danger inherent in climate change and its attendant global warming.
She said this would always affect the collective survival of the public.
She also said that the media had a unique role to play in bequeathing a greener, healthier and sustainable environment to the people.
“Your efforts in promoting a sustainable environment through news gathering and dissemination have significantly helped in changing the mindset of Lagosians toward environmental sustainability.
“I urge journalists to collaborate in the area of public enlightenment, public education, sensitisation and awareness creation on all issues relating to tree planting, tree maintenance, parks’ usage and recreation.
“I also use this medium to call on the private sector for partnership, participation and sponsorship of all our programmes,” she said. (NAN)
