Lagos, NCF target 2,000 participants for 20th Nature Walk October 17

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Ltd., will mobilise residents for the 20th Walk for Nature on October 17, with a renewed call for practical action against climate change and environmental degradation.

The event, themed “Inspired for Climate Action,” will hold at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, with participants expected to assemble at Makanjuola Hall by 7 a.m. Organisers said more than 2,000 participants were expected at the anniversary edition, which aims to translate environmental awareness into collective action to protect ecosystems and strengthen climate resilience.

Walk for Nature is a flagship environmental advocacy initiative of the state government and NCF, bringing together government agencies, corporate organisations, students, communities and other stakeholders.

Over the years, the initiative has addressed issues including wildlife and biodiversity conservation, pollution, plastic waste, land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.

The organisers said this year’s edition would focus on practical climate action, responsible environmental choices and collective responsibility.

The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, said climate change was already affecting residents through rising temperatures, extreme rainfall, flooding, sea-level rise and the loss of natural ecosystems.

Wahab said government had a responsibility to strengthen resilience and improve environmental management, but citizens also needed to contribute to protecting the environment.

“The 20th Walk for Nature is an important platform to inspire that behavioural change and remind every Lagosian of their role in building a cleaner, safer and more climate-resilient city,” he said.

Similarly, the Director-General of NCF, Dr Joseph Onoja, said Nigerians were already experiencing the effects of climate change through flooding, heat, displacement, food insecurity and increasing pressure on livelihoods.

Onoja said forests, wetlands, mangroves and other ecosystems played important roles in climate protection.

“The 20th Walk for Nature is therefore a call to move from awareness to action,” he said.

He said protecting nature would also help safeguard communities, the economy and the future.

The organisers urged residents to reduce waste and plastic use, avoid dumping refuse in canals and wetlands, plant and protect trees, conserve wetlands and adopt climate-smart lifestyles.

They also encouraged support for nature-based solutions to environmental challenges.

The 20th anniversary edition will feature special programmes and youth-focused engagements to recognise the role of young Nigerians in shaping the country’s environmental future.

A waste-bin donation exercise is also planned to promote responsible waste management as part of climate action.

The organisers said participation was free, adding that more than 2,000 people were expected at the event.

Interested participants can register through bit.ly/20thWFN2026.