BY OKAFOR AUGUSTINE IZUCHUKWU
The Lekki Urban Forest and Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI) Park has hosted over 2,000 children from 45 schools in Lagos to mark International Children’s Day and the International Day for Biodiversity.
Theme “Harmony with Nature, Sustainable Development,” the event which is hailed as the largest of its kind ever hosted at LUFASI, combined celebration with a call for urgent climate action.
Host and renowned environmental advocate Desmond Majekodunmi called attention to environmental degradation across Africa, citing the near disappearance of the Lake Chad as a stark warning.
He said: “You can’t eat if you destroy your land. Sustainability means continuing what gives us life,” urging investment in eco-parks and educational green spaces.
NatureNews notes that the twin events reflect a remarkable harmonisation of youth engagement with thoughtful awareness on environmental consciousness.
From dramatic performances to cultural dances and spoken word poetry, the children’s presentations showcased growing awareness of environmental challenges and the role young people can play in addressing them.
A symbolic moment came with the distribution of 100 solar lamps to selected students, donated by the Women in Renewable Energy Association (WIRE-A) in partnership with the Smiling Simon Greenbuild Foundation.
The lamps served as practical tools for clean energy access and as symbols of empowerment for the next generation.
The WIRE-A President, Dr. Anita Nana Okuribido, who was represented by Lady Isioma Fidel-Ewerem, encouraged children to become active agents of change.
“Let this day not just be a celebration, but a call to action. We must raise a generation that doesn’t just read about climate change but actively works to reverse it,” she said to enthusiastic applause.
WIRE-A, alongside environmental tech platform EvaCheck, partnered with LUFASI Park to provide technical support, community outreach, and advocacy in line with the day’s theme.
Their involvement emphasized the rising importance of innovation and youth-centered solutions in addressing the biodiversity crisis.
The event also marked the launch of the Green Young Stars Club, an initiative of WIRE-A aimed at building a new generation of climate-conscious leaders.
Participating schools will engaged in projects such as school gardens, environmental clean-ups, and climate literacy campaigns.
“These lamps are more than light. They represent hope, confidence, and belief in the dreams of these children,” said Lady Fidel-Ewerem.
She urged government and private actors to prioritize youth development, renewable energy, and grassroots advocacy.
“Let us act as if there is no tomorrow—because without sustainability, there won’t be one,” she said.
NatureNews reports that the children left the LUFASI Park as environmental ambassadors, empowered to build a more sustainable future.
