Lagos State Gov’t, SRADev Sensitize Stakeholders on World Ozone Day

By Tunji Faleye

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources and the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), in partnership with Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev), a non-governmental organization, recently organized a sensitization programme to mark the 2025 World Ozone Day celebration.

The event, themed “From Science to Global Action,” was aimed at educating and creating awareness among members of the Nigerian Association of Refrigerator and Air Conditioner Practitioners (NARAP) on protecting the ozone layer in line with global obligations under the Vienna Convention and the Montreal Protocol.

World Ozone Day is observed every September 16 and is officially recognized as the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer.

Delivering his welcome address, Dr. Babatunde Ajayi, General Manager of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA), said:

“Today is World Ozone Day and the theme for the celebration is From Science to Global Action. On this year’s commemoration, we have chosen, as LASEPA, to educate people, particularly the stakeholders who are involved in gases that affect our environment, and these are the NARAP. While they are stakeholders, they also contribute in no small measure to the reduction of gases that affect the ozone layer. With this sensitization, they will be able to know the correct gases to use.

“For us at LASEPA, we are very keen about the celebration of the World Ozone Day, and having NARAP in attendance is a testament that LASEPA is committed to protecting our environment.”

Ajayi explained that the programme was held in line with this year’s World Ozone Day theme, which calls for action rather than mere rhetoric.

According to him, this was why critical stakeholders, including technicians, were invited so that concrete measures could be taken to prevent further depletion of the ozone layer, adding that science has revealed many insights about the ozone layer, including valuable recommendations.

Ajayi further noted that there are penalties for those who use ozone-depleting gases, although critical stakeholders like technicians have generally complied, especially when their attention is drawn to taking the right steps. He emphasized that his agency regularly conducts awareness programmes and campaigns across local councils among key stakeholders to achieve better outcomes and prevent depletion of the ozone layer.

Speaking also, Jeremiah Ato, Policy and Technical Manager of Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev), stressed that youth participation in environmental sustainability is imperative for a guaranteed better future, adding that young people have the capacity to drive the initiative.

In her keynote address, the Federal Controller of Environment and South West Director, Mrs. Adenike Olabimpe Oladunni, stated that ozone layer depletion is a global environmental problem that requires a shared global responsibility to address.

The Federal Controller explained that the Federal Ministry of Environment has established many training centers to protect the ozone layer. She added that the journey from science to global action is a continuous one, stressing the need to empower the youth with green skills and strengthen collaboration at both local and global levels.

She assured participants that the Federal Ministry would continue to take decisive actions to protect the ozone layer and the environment in general.

The President of the Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed, who was represented by Mr. Ogunsanya Olawale, noted that although the ozone layer is on the path to recovery, the people and critical stakeholders must recommit themselves to best global practices, support sustainable initiatives, and make environmentally conscious decisions.

The event, held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, featured insightful technical presentations from distinguished experts, including Dr. Rose Alani, Coordinator of the Air Quality Monitoring and Research Group at the University of Lagos; Mr. Adeyinka Adebiyi, Managing Director of Bimsul Consult; and Engr. Surajudeen Kolawole, Head of Technical Sales and Application at Mandilas Group.

What’s your opinion on this story?