By Peter Dansu The Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, has been honoured by the Lagos ...
By Peter Dansu
The Executive Chairman of Olorunda Local Council Development Area, Hon. Ajose Peter Kumayon, has been honoured by the Lagos State Government for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of a sustainable wetland ecosystem, even as he called on all stakeholders to unite in protecting the fragile wetlands that sustain life across Badagry.
Hon. Kumayon received a Certificate of Award of Recognition from the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources through the Office of Environmental Services at the 2026 World Wetlands Day celebration held on Monday at Yafin Jetty, Badagry. The recognition underscores his consistent support for environmental protection and sustainable development within Olorunda LCDA and the wider Badagry axis.
Speaking at the event, the council chairman described wetlands as the lifeline of Badagry communities, stressing that their importance goes beyond environmental concerns to include economic survival and cultural identity. He warned that continued neglect and poor management of wetlands would expose communities to flooding, loss of livelihoods, and long term environmental damage.
Addressing government officials, traditional rulers, environmental experts, women groups, youths, and community leaders, Hon. Kumayon noted that World Wetlands Day serves as a reminder of the critical role wetlands play, particularly in coastal and low lying areas like Badagry. He said wetlands purify water, reduce flooding, regulate climate, and protect shorelines from erosion and rising sea levels.
He further explained that wetlands are rich hubs of biodiversity, providing habitats and breeding grounds for fish, birds, and other species that support ecological balance and food security. According to him, generations of Badagry residents have depended on wetlands for fishing, farming, aquaculture, and the cultivation of crops such as rice and vegetables.
The council boss also highlighted the cultural significance of wetlands, recalling how traditional knowledge guided indigenous practices on fishing seasons, farming patterns, and the protection of sacred water bodies long before modern environmental science emerged. He stressed that blending this traditional wisdom with modern approaches remains key to sustainable conservation.
While acknowledging challenges such as flooding, disease vectors, and conflicts between human activities and wildlife, Hon. Kumayon said these issues call for better planning, community involvement, and responsible management rather than destruction of wetlands.
He revealed that wetlands also hold untapped economic potential capable of strengthening the local economy if properly developed. In this regard, he referenced the recent visit of the World Bank assisted Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project team to Badagry, aimed at improving infrastructure, access roads, and market connectivity in agrarian communities.
Reaffirming the commitment of Olorunda LCDA under his RESHAPE Agenda, Hon. Kumayon pledged continued support for environmental protection, community engagement, and sustainable development.
He concluded by calling on government agencies, traditional institutions, community members, women, and youths to work together to safeguard Badagry’s wetlands, noting that protecting them today is essential to preserving the environment, culture, and future of the people.
Badagry Today reports that the event attracted wide participation from across the federation, further reinforcing the growing awareness and collective resolve to protect the wetlands that define Badagry’s heritage and livelihood.
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