The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue its sanitation advocacy campaign across the state until all residents fully embrace the culture of proper environmental sanitation and hygiene practices.
During a community-based sanitation exercise and sensitization event at Alamutu Market, Idi-Oro Mushin, the Special Adviser on Environment, Engr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, emphasized the importance of maintaining a clean environment to prevent the spread of diseases. Engr. Akodu, along with the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Omobolaji Gaji, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Services, Engr. Mahamood Adegbite, and the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, actively participated in cleaning the drainage on Agege Motor Road by desilting it while a waste truck collected the debris.
Engr. Akodu highlighted that the cleanup exercise aligns with the Governor’s directive on community-based sanitation, stressing that a clean environment and hygienic food handling processes are crucial for the socio-economic wellbeing of all residents. Addressing traders at Alamutu Market, he reminded them of the market’s closure late last year due to unsanitary conditions and urged them to maintain cleanliness and refrain from street trading.
“As we all know, diseases spread through contaminated water and food, resulting from poor sanitation practices such as open defecation, inadequate waste management, and poor personal hygiene. Therefore, our sanitation exercise should be a daily routine, not just on Thursdays,” he stated.
The community sanitation and advocacy campaign is an ongoing initiative that will cover all 57 LGs/LCDAs, public spaces, and markets to promote sustainable sanitation practices among residents. Engr. Akodu warned that if there is no significant improvement, the government might consider reintroducing the monthly environmental sanitation exercises.
Dr. Omobolaji Gaji, Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, emphasized the importance of the exercise in raising awareness among residents about the significance of sanitation practices in controlling and preventing communicable diseases. “Proper environmental management will positively impact our health and increase our lifespan,” he noted.
He urged residents to take responsibility for their environment, maintain cleanliness, and report unsanitary behaviors in their communities, as the government cannot be omnipresent.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of LAWMA, stressed that every household in Lagos should have a waste bin and encouraged residents to use the services of PSP operators instead of cart pushers. He added that consistent cleanliness and good sanitation practices would boost economic activities across the metropolis.
The areas visited during the exercise included Agege Motor Road, Alamutu Market, Idi-Oro, Labinjo Street, Adeyanju Street, and Makinde Street in Mushin Local Government Area.
