Lagos Environment Commissioner Wahab Reacts To ‘Indiscriminate Deforestation’ In Epe

Eko Hot Blog reports that the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reacted to allegations of indiscriminate deforestation in the Epe area of Lagos.

The commissioner’s reaction was contained in a post on his X account on Thursday evening.

He was reacting to a post by an X user identified as Dr. Toks.

In the post, the user alleged that there is no longer respect for the environment in Epe as the mangrove forest and the vegetation in the town are “slowly being converted to a concrete jungle.”

He further alleged that real estate agents have no regard for conservation or protection of plant and animal species in the area.

Dr. Toks, who reminded the environment commissioner of his promise to safeguard the Lagos environment/ecosystem during his recent participation at the COP28 climate summit, called on the Lagos government to map out a conservation centre in Epe.

“Good Evening Hon Commissioner. I would like to bring to your notice the indiscriminate deforestation going on in Epe. The beauty and serenity of Epe, the mangrove forest ( a hidden gem ), and the alluring sight of the vegetation are slowly being converted to a concrete jungle,” he wrote.

“There is no respect for the environment, no regard for conservation or protection of plant and animal species in the area. Your participation at #COP28 came with a promise to safeguard the Lagos environment/ecosystem.

“A conservation center such as the Lekki Conservation Centre on 100 – 200 hectares should be mapped out for Epe. Epe must not turn to a concrete town like Victoria Island.”

In another post, Dr. Toks alleged that realtors are “wiping out farmlands, wildlife, trees and plants” without any regulation.

“Every day on Instagram someone is trying to sell plots of land in an “estate” to be built in Epe. They are wiping out farmlands, wildlife, trees and plants. It’s free-for-all without any legislation or regulation,” he added.

Reacting to the posts, Wahab said the concern over the situation in Epe was noted.

“This is well noted. Thank you, Dr @fimiletoks,” the commissioner wtote.

In recent years, real estate agents have marketed Epe to potential land buyers as the “new Lagos”.

This marketing strategy has spurred high sales of pieces of land in the town.

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