Examining the Lagos Green Initiative: A case study of Kosofe Local Government

Abstract

Environmental sustainability has been a global agenda which aligns with the MillenniumDevelopment goal seven (7). In line with this global agenda, Nigeria scaled upher priorities to ensure meeting this goal by putting in place usefulmachineries (Adeagbo, 2013); the creation of parks and greening Lagos was oneof such actions. Hence, this study sort to examine government’s initiativetowards sustaining the environment, and the attitude of its citizenry. The study utilizeda qualitative method to obtain information from key informants, opinion leadersand program coordinators who were identified; while a cross-sectionaldescriptive survey was utilized to obtain quantitative data through thedistribution of questionnaires among residents of Kosofe Local Government ofLagos after cluster sampling. Computed coded data, were analyzed intofrequencies and descriptive statistics using SPSS version 16.Findings showed meanage of the respondents was ± 30. Key informant interview revealed commitment tosustaining the initiative and community involvement was a key strategy tosustenance. Data from respondents revealed that 60% of the community memberssupport the green initiative, while 70% of respondents, established willingnessto contribute to the green Lagos initiative. Overall, respondents felt positiveeffect on their health. Hence, this initiative is worthwhile and should bereplicated elsewhere. There is a need for focused strategies to harness fullcommunity involvement so as to meet the vision of the initiative.