The General Manager of Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), Mrs. Adetoun Popoola has announced that one of the highlights of the 2024 edition of the annual Lagos State Tree Planting Day, which will hold on July 14, 2024, is the launch of eco-friendly playgrounds in public primary schools across the State.
Featuring on a TV programme on Lagos Television, tagged: “The Conversation” on Wednesday, the General Manager said that the chosen theme underscores the importance of tree planting as an environmental investment for future generations as it aims to instil a sense of responsibility and stewardship within the community, particularly among the younger generation.
Popoola said, as part of the celebration, the Agency will launch an initiative to establish ‘Eco-Friendly Playgrounds’ in public primary schools across Lagos State. The initiative, according to her, will integrate two key components of the LASPARK’s mandate, which includes tree planting, and the promotion of recreation and leisure in Lagos State.
The eco-friendly playgrounds, she added, will be created using recycled and repurposed materials and comprise of innovative installations, signages and a variety of trees, shrubs and plants, covering a minimum of 500 sqm in each identified school.
“These playgrounds will not only provide green spaces for children to learn and play but also serve as a means to adapt to the changing climate, promote education on biodiversity and ecosystems and foster a connection with nature. This initiative is aimed at enhancing the mental health and wellness of the children while encouraging a tree-planting culture among the young citizens of our State”, the General Manager stated.
Other activities planned for this year’s Tree Planting Day as stated by Mrs. Popoola includes A Ceremonial Tree Planting Exercise to be led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as well as simultaneous tree planting across the 57 Local Governments (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) of the State on Sunday, July 14, 2024.
She added that free ornamental tree seedlings will be given to interested members of the public, private organisations, volunteers, NGOs and Community Development Associations (CDAs), among others.
“We invite everyone to join us in this significant environmental initiative as we take proactive steps to nurture our future by planting trees and creating sustainable green spaces in our communities”, the General Manager said.
