By Fatima Saka
The Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) will mobilise more than 2,000 participants for the 20th edition of the Walk for Nature on October 17, as part of efforts to promote practical climate action and environmental protection.
The event, organised in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Ltd., will hold at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, with participants expected to gather at Makanjuola Hall by 7 a.m.
The anniversary edition, themed “Inspired for Climate Action,” aims to encourage Nigerians to move beyond environmental awareness to concrete actions that protect nature and strengthen climate resilience.
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 degradation of natural ecosystems.
Wahab said while the government had a responsibility to strengthen climate resilience and improve environmental management, 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 experiencing the effects of climate change through flooding, extreme heat, displacement, food insecurity and growing pressure on livelihoods.
Onoja stressed that forests, wetlands, mangroves and other natural ecosystems played critical roles in climate protection and safeguarding communities against environmental threats.
“The 20th Walk for Nature is therefore a call to move from awareness to action,” he said.
He added that protecting nature was essential to safeguarding communities, sustaining the economy and securing the future.
The Walk for Nature is a flagship environmental advocacy initiative of the Lagos State Government and NCF, bringing together government agencies, corporate organisations, students, communities and other stakeholders to promote environmental sustainability.
Over the years, the initiative has addressed environmental challenges, including wildlife and biodiversity conservation, pollution, plastic waste, land restoration, desertification and drought resilience.
The organisers said this year’s edition would emphasise practical climate action, responsible environmental choices and collective responsibility.
They urged residents to reduce waste and plastic consumption, avoid dumping refuse in canals and wetlands, plant and protect trees, conserve wetlands and adopt climate-smart lifestyles.
They also encouraged greater support for nature-based solutions to environmental challenges.
The 20th anniversary programme will feature special activities and youth-focused engagements to recognise the role of young Nigerians in shaping the country’s environmental future.
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A waste-bin donation exercise is also planned to promote responsible waste management as part of broader climate action efforts.
The organisers said participation was free and encouraged interested residents to register through bit.ly/20thWFN2026.
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