Janefrances Chibuzor
Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative (LUFASI) founder Desmond Majekodunmi has called on African leaders, particularly in Nigeria, to adopt practical measures for living in harmony with nature. Speaking at LUFASI Park in Lagos during an interview with Berexnews, Majekodunmi emphasised the urgent need for a shift in priorities to address the environmental degradation threatening the continent’s future.
“The Lagos State government has been cooperative, and that is commendable,” he noted. “But beyond cooperation, we need to penetrate the conscience of our leaders, influencing them to recognise the gravity of our environmental challenges. The priority now must be to care for our life-support systems, which are being badly eroded.”
Majekodunmi warned that the consequences of environmental neglect are accelerating. “We are dangerously close to the tipping point. If we continue on this path of massive pollution, the damage may become irreversible within 10 to 15 years. The global temperature has already exceeded the critical 1.5-degree threshold, and while natural cycles may provide brief relief, they can not counter the escalating warming trend without decisive human intervention.”
He highlighted the limitations of modern technology in the face of nature’s power. “Even with all their advanced technology, the Americans couldn’t slow down Hurricane Katrina by a single second or shift its path by even a centimetre. These forces are beyond our control. The solution lies not in trying to conquer nature but in living in harmony with it, just as other entities in the ecosystem do.”
Majekodunmi stressed that public awareness is key to driving change. “I believe that once people truly understand the urgency of the situation, they will adjust their attitudes and actions. It’s a matter of education and prioritising what really matters, apparently preserving our environment for future generations.”
The LUFASI founder also called on African leaders to emulate institutions that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. “It’s time for Africa to lead by example, showing the world that sustainable development is achievable through a commitment to environmental harmony.”
Founded in 2013, LUFASI continues to champion the preservation of natural ecosystems and raise awareness about the critical importance of environmental stewardship. Majekodunmi’s appeal underscores the need for collaborative action to protect the planet from the devastating effects of climate change and pollution.
