Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has stated that his administration would continue to be at the forefront of the Climate Change campaign, promoting policies and initiatives towards climate action.
Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance today at the Closing Ceremony of the 10th Lagos International Climate Change Summit with the theme “Accelerating Climate Finance and Championing Local Adaptation Initiatives,’ held at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The governor who was represented at the event by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat added that the government must also continue to strengthen policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action and remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity and equity.
He added that Climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups are not left behind. Women, youth, indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented communities must have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods.
According to Sanwo-Olu, “We must also continue to strengthen policy frameworks and regulatory environments to support climate action and remain steadfast in our commitment to inclusivity and equity. Climate action must be inclusive, ensuring that marginalized and vulnerable groups are not left behind. Women, youth, Indigenous peoples, and other underrepresented communities must have a voice in the decision-making processes that affect their lives and livelihoods”
Speaking further, the governor added the government must prioritize capacity building and knowledge sharing by empowering local communities with the skills, tools, and knowledge they need to develop and implement adaptation strategies is essential, noting that the skills involve not only technical training but also fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
Speaking on the impact of climate change which has not been uniform and that local contexts matter, Sanwo-Olu noted that the effects of climate change are felt most acutely at the Local level, and it is at the level that adaptation strategies must be tailored and implemented.
“We have celebrated the ingenuity and resilience of local communities, whose adaptive measures from sustainable agricultural practices to innovative water management systems serve as a powerful example of grassroots climate action.” He said the theme of the summit explored the multifaceted dimensions of climate finance and local adaptation, recognizing that both are crucial to building resilient communities and sustainable futures.
“We have heard from experts who have highlighted innovative financing mechanisms, from green bonds to climate insurance, and the importance of leveraging both public and private sector investments. These discussions have underscored the necessity of a systemic shift in how we perceive and deploy financial resources for climate action,” he pointed out.
Reflecting on the key takeaways and the path forward of the summit, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that government must continue to advocate for increased and sustained climate finance. He emphasized that governments, financial institutions, and international organizations must work collaboratively to bridge the financing gap and ensure that resources are directed toward projects that yield tangible benefits for communities and ecosystems.
Sanwo-Olu urged participants at the summit to leave with renewed determination, emphasizing that the work they do today will shape the future of the planet. He said, “Together we can accelerate climate finance, champion local adaptation initiatives, and create a world that is more resilient, sustainable, and just.”
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab stated that the summit serves as a clarion call to action for all stakeholders in the state to think creatively, out of the box, and take proactive measures in protecting the lives and properties of Lagos residents.
The Commissioner added that the summit stressed the different challenges of climate change in the state, stating the unique geography of the state as it is surrounded by water, waste management, among other challenges as all this presents both opportunities and challenges, adding that “Lagos as a state has its challenges, that is a coaster place surrounded by water, such as the Atlantic Ocean, which means we have to think differently and we have to change our destiny by taking proactive actions.”
