The Lagos State Government has unveiled a N2.5 million tree planting prize to encourage residents to support environmental sustainability and help curb rising temperatures across the state.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Olalekan Rotimi Akodu, announced the initiative on Friday during the 2026 World Environment Day celebration in Ikeja.
Rotimi Akodu said the state will plant 500 trees to mark the occasion and launch a new programme tagged “Me and My Tree.” Participants will receive free seedlings and nurture them for one year, while the owner of the best-performing tree will receive N2.5 million.
The initiative comes after the United Nations identified Lagos among 50 cities worldwide that could experience extreme temperatures of up to 50°C.
Rotimi Akodu said Lagos will also join other cities in signing the United Nations Environment Programme’s 50 Cities at 50°C pledge, which focuses on addressing extreme urban heat.
He warned that climate change, rapid urbanization and population growth continue to increase temperatures and environmental pressure on cities.
According to him, Lagos has planted more than seven million trees since 2009 through partnerships involving government agencies, communities, schools and private organizations.
He urged residents to participate in climate action, stressing that building resilience against climate change requires collective effort.
