On Sunday, Rotary International District 9112 launched an ambitious environmental project called the Coastal Restoration Initiative at Westside Beach, Okun, Ajah, Lagos. This initiative saw the planting of 1,000 coconut trees along the Atlantic Ocean’s coastal shores, aiming to enhance the local ecosystem and promote sustainability. This eventmarks a significant step in Rotary’s mission to improve the environment and protect coastal areas.
At the event, Rotarian Femi Adenekan, the Governor of Rotary International District 9112, delivered an inspiring speech.
“initiative is conceived to save the environment as well as reduce the adverse effect of the climate change.”
He maintained as thus “the environment is one of the main focus areas of Rotary International. We need to consciously come to the realization that we need to save our environment. We need to save ourselves. So that in the future, those that will come after us will have life.”
“People assume that the world belongs to them. They have forgotten that they are just tenants on the surface of the earth. If you try to change nature, nature will react, which is the reason we are having a lot of environmental damage in the world. Some of wrong human activities, such as throwing plastics and other items into water or where it ought not to be is causing us environmental challenges. If we don’t take care of our environment, the environment will react and take us out of the surface of the earth,” he said.
Rtn. Gboyega Bada, Chairman of the District 9112 Tree Planting Committee, has championed a transformative initiative: the “Every Rotarian Plant a Tree Every Year” policy. Bada’s vision extends beyond Rotary’s circle, aiming to introduce a Private Bill to the Lagos State House of Assembly. This legislation would mandate all Lagos residents to plant a tree annually for the next five years. This ambitious plan seeks to combat climate change and foster a greener, more sustainable Lagos.
Rotary District 9112, under the guidance of Rtn Bada, envisions a safer and cleaner environment through an ambitious tree planting initiative. The goal is to plant 10,000 seedlings, including Coconut, Mango, Breadfruit, Avocado, and other beneficial crops. This effort aims to enhance the environment while providing economic and health benefits to the community.
The event attracted a diverse array of stakeholders from both the private and public sectors, showcasing a strong turnout from notable organizations such as Pan African Towers Ltd, Tolaram Group, Azeez Amida Foundation, and Telenoetica Ltd. Esteemed Rotary leaders, including Past District Governor Tunji Funsho, lent their support, accompanied by the District Governor’s wife, Rotarian Tayo Adenekan, and the District Governor-elect, Rotarian Lanre Adedoyin.
The gathering also featured key representatives from the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, led by General Manager Dapo Olakulehin, and the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency. Club Presidents and Rotarians from the 73 Rotary Clubs in the district were present, further enriching the occasion with their enthusiastic participation. The event was a resounding success, marked by the unity and collaboration of all attendees.
At the event, renowned horticulturist Mr. Andrew Vale from Tolaram Group and The Lagos Free Zone emphasized the crucial role of trees. As one of the distinguished guest speakers, he underscored their significance in sustaining the environment and enhancing urban landscapes.
“planting trees improves air quality, reduces air pollution, and illnesses from air pollution. More so, plants produce oxygen and provide shelter, medicine, and many more.”
In his heartfelt address, Dr. Desmond Majekodunmi, Chairman of LUFASI Park and Director General of Coconut Naija, expressed his unique insights and vision.
“the basic fact about the environment is that whatever you sow, you shall reap. The environment will always treat you, the way you treat it.”
It should be noted at this juncture that District 9112 has set an ambitious goal for the year: to create a safer and cleaner environment by planting 10,000 seedlings of various beneficial crops. This initiative will see coconut, mango, breadfruit, avocado, and other economically, health-wise, and environmentally advantageous plants take root. Through this project, District 9112 aims to enhance the community’s well-being while fostering sustainability and ecological health.
The event drew significant attention and backing from key figures and organizations within the industry. Among the notable attendees were Mr. Dapo Olakulehin, General Manager of the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority (LASCODA); Mr. Andrew Vale from Tolaram Group; Channel Scott of Pan African Towers; representatives from the Azeez Amida Foundation; and the team from Telenoetica. Their collective presence and support underscored the event’s importance and the collaborative spirit driving progress in the sector.
Similarly, the Legend Lifeskills Foundation, spearheaded by Etam Avitat, partnered with the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) and various Rotary Clubs from District 9112. Together, they embarked on a transformative journey, leveraging their collective resources and expertise to make a significant impact in their communities. Through their collaboration, they aimed to enhance local parks, promote environmental stewardship, and foster community engagement, setting a new standard for collective action and positive change.
In conclusion however, Among the distinguished Rotary leaders present at the event were Past District Governors Tunji Funsho, Kamoru Omotosho, and Omotunde Lawson, each contributing to the occasion with their notable presence and leadership. Their involvement underscored the significance of the gathering and highlighted their continued commitment to Rotary’s mission.
