Lagos intensifies environmental advocacy, urges daily sanitation culture

The Lagos State Government has pledged to intensify advocacy for voluntary environmental cleanliness as the second edition of the monthly environmental sanitation exercise was held across the state’s Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.

The Wife of the Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, participated in the exercise in Alimosho Local Government Area alongside the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab.

Others at the exercise included the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment, Mr Rotimi Akodu, members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials, and other government officials.

The exercise is the second since the state government reintroduced the monthly sanitation programme as part of efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

Speaking with journalists after monitoring the exercise, Wahab commended residents for their level of participation, describing Alimosho as one of the cleanest local government areas in the state.

He said the government’s renewed commitment to environmental sanitation was aimed at fostering a culture of cleanliness among residents and sustaining efforts towards a cleaner Lagos.

“Today’s turnout is encouraging and demonstrates that residents are beginning to embrace the culture of environmental responsibility.

“Alimosho remains one of the cleanest local government areas in Lagos, and we commend residents for supporting government efforts to maintain a healthy environment,” he said.

Wahab also responded to complaints by some residents over alleged irregular evacuation of refuse by assigned Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators.

He assured that the concerns would be investigated by the appropriate agency to prevent a recurrence and improve waste management services.

“Where there are genuine complaints about refuse collection, the relevant agencies will investigate and ensure that service providers meet their obligations to residents.

“We will continue to monitor operations to ensure efficient waste management across the state,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents to go beyond the monthly sanitation exercise by maintaining regular cleanliness in their homes, markets and business premises.

According to him, environmental sustainability requires consistent adherence to sanitation practices and compliance with environmental regulations.

“Environmental cleanliness should not be restricted to the monthly exercise alone.

“Residents must make sanitation a daily habit and obey all environmental laws put in place for the collective good of the state,” he said.

Reacting to the movement of some commercial drivers and private vehicle owners during the sanitation period, Wahab said the government had engaged the appropriate authorities for necessary action.

He reiterated the state’s resolve to enforce environmental laws and ensure full compliance with regulations guiding the sanitation exercise.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that selected students from various schools across the state also participated in the exercise as part of efforts to instill environmental consciousness and responsible citizenship among young people. (NAN)