January 19, (THEWILL) – Desmond Majekodunmi, the founder of the Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative.has urged African leaders, particularly in Nigeria, to embrace sustainable practices and prioritize harmony with nature to mitigate escalating environmental challenges.
Speaking at LUFASI Park in Lagos during an interview with Berexnew, Majekodunmi highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to address environmental degradation threatening the continent’s future.
He noted, “The Lagos State government has been cooperative, and that is commendable
“However, beyond cooperation, we need to awaken the conscience of our leaders, urging them to acknowledge the severity of our environmental crisis. The priority now must be to protect our life-support systems, which are rapidly deteriorating.”
Majekodunmi warned of dire consequences if urgent measures are not taken.
He added, “We are alarmingly close to the tipping point. If we persist in massive pollution, the damage may become irreversible within the next 10 to 15 years. The global temperature has already exceeded the critical 1.5-degree threshold.
“While natural cycles may offer temporary relief, they cannot reverse the warming trend without significant human intervention.”
He underscored the limitations of modern technology in combating nature’s forces, citing Hurricane Katrina as an example.
He stated, “Even with advanced technology, the Americans couldn’t delay Hurricane Katrina by a second or alter its path by a centimetre. These natural forces are beyond our control. The solution isn’t to conquer nature but to live in harmony with it, just as other species in the ecosystem do.”
Majekodunmi emphasised the importance of public awareness in driving change.
He said, “Once people grasp the urgency of the situation, their attitudes and actions will shift. Education is key, as is prioritizing the preservation of our environment for future generations.”
He called on African leaders to align with institutions committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
“Africa must lead by example, demonstrating to the world that sustainable development is achievable when environmental harmony is prioritized.”
Since its establishment in 2013, LUFASI has been at the forefront of advocating for natural ecosystem preservation and raising awareness about the critical importance of environmental stewardship.
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
