By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK) has established an Urban Forest park to promote better recreational services in the state.
LASPARK announced this while complementing the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources’ programmes marking the 2021 WED with the theme: “Ecosystem Restoration”.
The LASPARK General Manager, Adetoun Popoola said, while inaugurating the park, that the measure was to further create a green belt in the metropolis, to balance the ecosystem and preserve biodiversity.
Popoola added that the agency was committed to changing the state’s landscape to conform with an acceptable eco-plan, despite its urban status.
She regretted the earlier environmental setbacks at the Abraham Adesanya Estate, along the Lekki-Epe Expressway, the location of the park, which measured 17,256 sq. metres.
The LASPARK chief executive noted that the space was the scene of heavy, unauthorised trading, artisan activities, and unlawful waste disposal, that resulted in the clogging of the drainage from the expressway.
She tasked residents to be environmentally friendly by establishing gardens and be involved in patronising single-use plastics and waste recycling, to foster a healthy environment.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the place consists of a spiral loop trail for walking and jogging, dotted with garden seats, fun wall art, solar-powered security lights.