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Badagry Local Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and climate resilience by joining the Lagos State Government in commemorating the 2026 Lagos State Tree Planting Day, calling on residents to embrace tree planting as a shared civic responsibility and a practical solution to protecting the environment for present and future generations.
The event, held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Comprehensive High School, Ajara, brought together government officials, traditional leaders, environmental stakeholders, political leaders, students, and members of the public under the theme, “Trees for Lagos: Our City, Our Responsibility.” The programme served as a powerful reminder that safeguarding the environment requires collective action and sustained commitment from every segment of society.
Promoting a Greener and More Sustainable Badagry
Representing the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, fMHR, joined other stakeholders in championing the campaign for increased tree planting and environmental conservation across the state.
The Chairman’s goodwill message was delivered by the Vice Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi, who reaffirmed the administration’s determination to build a cleaner, greener, and healthier Badagry through sustainable environmental policies, strategic partnerships, and active community participation.
In the Governor’s address, participants were reminded that rapid urbanisation, population growth, and changing climate conditions continue to place increasing pressure on the environment through rising temperatures, flooding, erosion, and the depletion of green spaces. He emphasized that tree planting remains one of the most affordable, practical, and effective nature-based solutions for combating climate change, improving air quality, conserving biodiversity, and creating healthier communities.
Governor Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Lagos State had already planted 13,401 trees, representing 67 per cent of its 20,000-tree target for 2026, with additional trees scheduled to be planted during the peak of the rainy season to ensure maximum survival and long-term environmental impact.
Tree Planting as a Climate Action Strategy
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, Mr. Oladimeji Babajide described the annual exercise as far more than a ceremonial event, noting that it represents a deliberate and strategic response to some of the most pressing environmental challenges confronting modern cities.
He explained that every tree planted contributes significantly to reducing the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide, lowering urban temperatures, preventing soil erosion, improving air quality, supporting biodiversity, and enhancing the overall wellbeing of communities.
He further announced that all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) across Lagos State have been officially designated as Tree Custodians, with the responsibility not only to plant trees but also to ensure their continuous nurturing, protection, and survival.
Hunpe Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Sustainability
Delivering the Executive Chairman’s message, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi highlighted several environmental initiatives currently being implemented by the Babatunde Hunpe-led administration as part of its vision for a cleaner, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable Badagry.
He noted that the ongoing beautification and reorganisation of the Badagry International Roundabout, coupled with the enforcement of the recently issued Executive Order restricting the indiscriminate erection of banners, posters, and unauthorized structures around the historic gateway, reflects the administration’s commitment to restoring environmental order, improving public safety, and preserving the aesthetic appeal of the local government.
He also encouraged residents, educational institutions, religious organisations, corporate bodies, market associations, and community groups to complement government efforts by planting trees within homes, schools, workplaces, public spaces, and communities while ensuring that planted trees are properly nurtured to maturity.
According to him, environmental sustainability cannot be achieved through government action alone but requires continuous collaboration between public institutions and citizens who understand the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.
Stakeholders Advocate Collective Environmental Responsibility
The event featured goodwill messages from several distinguished personalities who commended the Lagos State Government and Badagry Local Government for sustaining the annual tree planting initiative.
Among those who addressed participants were APC Apex Leader, Chief Moses Zannu Ogunbiyi; Alhaja Kikelomo Ladipo; and the Finhento of Badagry, White Cap Chief Anthony Ajose, all of whom encouraged residents to adopt responsible environmental practices and actively participate in protecting the ecosystem.
They emphasized that environmental stewardship begins with individual responsibility and urged community members to see every tree planted as an investment in cleaner air, healthier neighbourhoods, reduced flooding, and a more prosperous future for Badagry.
Building Environmental Awareness Among Young People
One of the highlights of the programme was the active participation of students from Comprehensive High School, Ajara, whose involvement underscored the importance of instilling environmental consciousness in younger generations.
The organisers noted that involving students in tree planting activities helps cultivate lifelong values of environmental responsibility while encouraging young people to become ambassadors for climate action and sustainable development within their communities.
Symbolic Tree Planting Reinforces Shared Commitment
The event reached its climax with the symbolic planting of trees by government officials, traditional rulers, environmental stakeholders, political leaders, students, and community representatives.
The exercise served as a practical demonstration of the shared commitment of the Lagos State Government and Badagry Local Government to restoring green spaces, mitigating the effects of climate change, improving environmental health, and building resilient communities capable of adapting to future environmental challenges.
Council Appreciates Stakeholders’ Support
Delivering the closing remarks, the Council Manager, Mrs. Avoseh-Akwe Oluwakemi, expressed appreciation to all participants for their commitment to environmental protection and their support for the annual Tree Planting Day celebration.
She encouraged residents to sustain the momentum beyond the commemorative event by adopting environmentally responsible habits, protecting existing trees, planting new ones where possible, and supporting government initiatives aimed at preserving the natural environment.
As Badagry continues to pursue sustainable development under the leadership of Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, the Council reaffirmed its commitment to implementing policies and programmes that promote environmental conservation, improve public health, enhance urban aesthetics, and strengthen climate resilience.
The 2026 Tree Planting Day celebration once again demonstrated that building a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Badagry is a collective responsibilityโone that requires the active participation of government, communities, institutions, and every resident committed to leaving a lasting environmental legacy for generations to come.
