In commemoration of the 2026 World Environmental Day (WED), stakeholders in Lagos State have reiterated the need for collective action to tackle environmental degradation, promote sustainable practices and safeguard the future of coming generations.
The Lagos State Government and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Foundation made the call in separate activities marking the day, emphasising environmental responsibility, sustainability and community participation.
World Environment Day, coordinated annually by the United Nations, serves as a global platform for raising awareness and encouraging action on environmental issues. The theme for this year’s commemoration, “Inspired by Nature. For Climate. For Our Future,” highlights the urgency of addressing climate change and environmental degradation through collective efforts.
Lagos renews commitment to environmental sustainability
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab in his message to commemorate the day, said the state remains committed to sustainable environmental practices through continuous sanitation exercises, waste management reforms, environmental enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns.
He noted that as one of Africa’s fastest-growing mega cities, Lagos faces increasing environmental pressures that require the active participation of residents and businesses to maintain a clean, healthy and safe environment.
According to the commissioner, environmental protection is a shared responsibility that extends beyond government agencies.
Mr Wahab urged residents, market operators, business owners and community leaders to embrace environmentally friendly practices, including proper waste disposal, protection of drainage channels, recycling and adherence to sanitation regulations.
He also reaffirmed his ministry’s resolve to intensify efforts against environmental infractions such as illegal dumping of refuse, street trading and open defecation, which continue to pose threats to public health and urban sustainability.
“Together, we can build a greener, cleaner and more sustainable Lagos for all,” he said.
UBA Foundation plants trees in historic Lagos schools
As part of activities marking the day, the UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group, launched its 2026 Tree Planting for Sustainability Initiative with tree-planting exercises at King’s College, Lagos, and CMS Grammar School, Bariga.
The initiative, now in its fourth year, seeks to promote environmental consciousness among young people and encourage climate-positive action through practical engagement in sustainability activities.
Speaking during the exercise at CMS Grammar School, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Foundation, Bola Atta, described the programme as an investment in the future.
“We want young people to understand that the environment needs our collective support and protection. Through initiatives like this, we are encouraging the next generation to embrace sustainable practices that will help create healthier communities and a better future for all,” she said.
Ms Atta explained that the selection of King’s College and CMS Grammar School was informed by their rich history and capacity to sustain the initiative over time.
She noted that while urban development remains necessary, environmental preservation must not be neglected.
“Over the years, development has often taken precedence over environmental preservation, leading to the loss of many trees and green areas. However, there is no better time than now to begin restoring our environment and making a lasting impact,” she added.
Climate action and environmental education
The tree-planting exercise forms part of UBA Group’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda aimed at promoting sustainable development and addressing climate-related risks.
UBA’s Group Chief Risk Officer, Awele Ajibola, said climate change presents growing risks that require proactive responses from both public and private institutions.
“At UBA, initiatives like this demonstrate our commitment to the environment and the communities we serve. Climate change presents real and growing risks, and as a responsible financial institution, we recognise our role in driving positive environmental action and sustainable development,” she said.
Beyond planting trees, the Foundation engaged students on environmental stewardship, encouraging responsible behaviours such as proper waste disposal, recycling, water conservation and energy efficiency.
The Principal of CMS Grammar School, Jacob Ogunyinka, a reverend, described the exercise as a practical extension of environmental education, noting that it would help students translate classroom lessons on conservation into real-life action.
Similarly, the Principal of King’s College, Magaji Zachariah, expressed appreciation to the Foundation for investing in environmental education and selecting the institution as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.
Other activities organised by UBA to commemorate World Environment Day include Green Talk sessions with customers across branches, environmental awareness campaigns, the establishment of Sustainability Clubs in participating schools and a month-long Green Challenge designed to encourage environmentally responsible behaviour.
