BY IBRAHIM QUADRI
The Lagos State Government on Tuesday flagged off the International Day of Peace with a promise to intensify its waste to wealth programme.
This was disclosed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyo Onigbanjo during a press conference at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa Ikeja.
The theme for this year’s UN International Day of Peace is “Climate Action for Peace: Clear Blue Skies”.
The theme according to the Commissioner “draws attention to Climate Change as a threat to International peace and security.
National disasters, conflicts, food insecurity, growing tension over resources and mass movement of people are all as a result of climate change.”
Onigbanjo also disclosed that “the events earmarked for the celebration includes “Tree planting Day” scheduled to hold on Friday 20th September, 2019 at the Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota. At the event, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State and other members of the Lagos State Executive councils and top government officials will lead by example and indicate their commitment to the Green Lagos Project by planting trees.
“The Celebration continues with the “Waste to Wealth Programme” which will be held at the CMC Head Office, 7, L.J Dosunmu Street, opp. Beehive School, CBD Alausa, Ikeja on the same day. The Agency will at the event hand over a huge collection of used plastic bottles to recycling companies at a cost and the proceeds will be handed over to less privileged pupils for their school fees.
“This will serve as an example for the public to realize the economic values of recyclable waste and encourage them to adopt the business as an economic palliative to reduce tension arising from lack of finances in the family.
He explained that the Citizens’ Mediation Centre which was established in 1999 under the ministry of justice as “provides alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services free of charge by use of mediation thus enabling indigent residents of Lagos State have prompt access to justice irrespective of tribe, religion or financial capacity.
“Services rendered by the Centre include settlement of disputes relating to Landlords/Tenants, Employers and Employees disputes, Family Matters (including marital disputes, Child Custody etc.). Others are Property Inheritance, Land Matters, Monetary Claims, Local relationships and Commercial disputes.
“Since the commencement of mediation services in Lagos State and its wide acceptance by residents, the Centre has been able to resolve thousands of matters amicably and assist in decongesting the courts and prisons,” he said.
This year’s theme, according to the Commissioner “seeks to draw attention of government, policy makers, stakeholders and citizens to the importance of combating climate change as a way to protect and promote peace throughout the world. The Lagos State Citizens Mediation Centre (CMC), an agency of government that promotes peace in Lagos State, as always, is joining the United Nations to commemorate this day.
“This year’s theme “Climate Action for Peace, Clear Blue Skies” thus relates to how environmental challenges affect homes and the society at large. Climate change causes clear threats to international peace and security. Natural disasters displace three times as many people as conflicts, forcing millions to leave their homes and seek safety elsewhere. Desertification, flooding, pollution of the air, land and sea are some of the adverse effects of the harsh treatment of the environment. These as a result lead to the displacement of families, loss of lives, loss of sources of income and properties which inevitably lead to unavoidable conflict.
“In Lagos State, our commitment to amicable disputes and conflict resolution and the promotion of peaceful and harmonious co-existence is unshaken. Teaching the people to treat the environment in a friendly way will reduce conflict, crimes and truancy in our communities consequently reducing litigation and the amount of tax payers money used in funding them. Adopting this strategy for pursuing peace rather than intervening when crimes might have been committed will set Lagos State in the position of a pacesetter for other States to emulate.
“I have no doubt whatsoever that the commemoration of this day will put to the front burner of discourse the need to take action on climate and environment in the promotion of PEACE and harmonious co-existence. Sensitizing and directing the attention of government and the public to dangers inherent in the abuse of the environment will go a long way in nipping these abuses in the bud and stimulate government and the people to proffer workable solution.”
