By Cleopatra Eki
Experts have appealed to people to spend more time interacting with nature (trees , green vegetations and the forests ) to rejuvenates and revamp them from stress and mood swings.
Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, an environmentalist and Chairman, Lagos State Urban Forest and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI) made the call in Lekki Lagos.
According to reports,” it is scientifically proven that if one spends 30mins -45mins with the trees, green vegetations and forest can relieve one’s stress , energenized and purify his or her blood circulation because of sweet chemicals from the trees “.- he emphasized.
According to him, there are Ekki forests with wetlands, trees give oxygen purify the body systems and people can see and interact with animals (caged monkeys), birds, old tortoise , lakes, fishes, and crocodiles under the guards’ supervision .Tourists always have swell time going round the park and feel happy and better than when they came in.
He confirmed that the Japanese lives longer because of their health life-style. According to reports, they have forest bathing spaces that originated from Japan since the 1980s called Shinrin-Yoku, translated as nature bathing.
Desmond disclosed that “We have reciprociated forest bathing here in LUFASI Nature Park,we encourage people to sit down and inhale fresh air, do breathing exercises, meditation and appreciate nature, “Even walking on bare foot on sandy soil is very therapeutic.
Majekodunmi described the Forest bathing at the park is retreating to nature, immerse in the forest atmosphere. There are a lot of benefits which include, decreased risk of heart attack, protection against obesity and diabetes,more energy and better sleep, positive mood- boosting effects.In addition, it also reduced stress hormones production, clear Skin and soothing relief for sore muscles.
He maintained that caring for nature should be collective effort from all stakeholders, individuals ,government, policymakers, foreign governments organisations and public and private partnerships because the earth is fighting back man’s mis-management.
As a weekly radio host Desmond uses “Green Scene Environment programme on Nigeria Info 99.3 FM to enlighten people about caring for nature, how to protect the earth against climate change flood and global warming.
He disclosed that he currently does little farming, maintains the park by picking up pet bottles, plastics from the park and for recycling.
Majekodunmi is a man of many talents and skills, he is an author, singer and a script writer. Desmond is also a farmer, creation career, multi media engineer / producer, film maker and musician.
Speaking Mr Evans Basil, Environmentalist and General Manager LUFASI Nature Park, said that man has continuously abuse the nature (Earth) and does the opposite of God’s purpose by ruining the earth.
Sadly, man’s actions of cutting down trees and plants that give man oxygen, life support and convert everything to concrete or cement housing without planting trees or green environment.
He observed that mankind is fighting against nature by not protecting and replenishing the earth. Basil recalled that God created the first man, Adam and placed him in the garden of Eden to cultivate the earth and replenish it,
According to him, issues of pollution, floods,noise, gas flaring,deforestation, litters around the places, hurricanes are all man’s handiwork affecting man ‘s life support system. Advanced technology can’t stop hurricanes,earthquakes are natural disasters
According to Evans Basil, “Artistes, celebrities and people come here Nature Park to relax, refresh and revamp after the hard day’s or weeks ‘job, some music celebrities like Burna boy, Wiz -Kid and Ashake have come here to shoot videos, films, baby shower events , wedding reception, picnic etc.”
Basil added that LUFASI Nature Park is a place for everyone to reduce stress and mood swings themselves, he wishes that more parks are reciprociated all over the country.
Speaking to Okwori Matthew Aduma, an entrepreneur, a Photographer, Chief Executive officer, kodakhotshots Limited Lagos, relating his experience at the Lufasi Park, as an amazing experience, having a life touch with nature.
“I commend also the wonderful sacrifices done by LUFASI Park management to keep the place intact for people to have feelings with a natural habitat -Mathew disclosed”
A mass communications student of Yaba Tech,Oshifeso Boluwatife said Earlier on, he has googled the LUFASI Park but decided to see the place first hand and feel nature and God’s amazing handiwork.my friends and l have benefited from spending quality time at the park.
He disclosed that: “It’s was actually nice ,the air here is naturally cool and a nice place to come for tour.”Boluwatife said that his actual take home,he was actually amazed how the LUFASI Park has been maintained for years having no negative issues in the park itself.
He had wonderful experience speaking with Mr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Chairman, LUFASI and learning from his story and how he started the LUFASI Park and with some support of the Lagos State government.
