Lagos Launches N2.5M Tree-Planting Prize for Urban Heat

On World Environment Day, the Lagos State Government unveiled a N2.5 million tree-planting prize to address urban heat challenges. Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi Akodu, announced this initiative at Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park in Ikeja.

The program aims to encourage residents to adopt sustainable practices by providing free seedlings to participants, who must nurture and maintain the trees for one year. The best-performing tree will receive a cash reward of N2.5 million.

This initiative aligns with the United Nations' recognition of Lagos as one of 50 cities worldwide facing extreme weather challenges. The theme for this year's event, "50 Cities, 50°C," emphasizes the need for nature-based solutions to combat climate change and build resilient cities.

Akodu highlighted the pressing issues of climate change, urbanization, and population growth, which increase greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to rising temperatures. The Lagos State Government plans to plant 500 trees to commemorate the occasion and has previously planted seven million trees since 2009.