- Lagos First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor’s wife Dr. (Mrs.) Oluremi Hamzat led the July environmental sanitation exercise in Eputu, Ibeju-Lekki.
- Commissioner for the Environment Tokunbo Wahab clarified that there is no restriction on movement during the monthly sanitation exercise, emphasising voluntary public participation.
- Chairman Abdullahi Sesan Olowa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to environmental sustainability, while Supervisor for Environment Hon. Tope Ogungbo Sofwan urged residents to make cleanliness a daily habit.
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, and the wife of the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Dr. (Mrs.) Oluremi Hamzat, on Saturday led top government officials, traditional rulers, environmental stakeholders and residents in the July edition of the Monthly Environmental Sanitation Exercise held in Eputu Community, Ibeju-Lekki Local Government.
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Eko Hot Blog reports that the exercise, coordinated by the administration of the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, attracted the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab; members of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO); the Ologunfayo of Ogunfayo Kingdom, Oba Idogun Adewunmi Larrys; members of the State House of Assembly, political office holders, environmental sanitation officials, community development associations, youth groups, volunteers and residents.
The sanitation exercise transformed Eputu Community into a hub of environmental awareness as government officials and residents worked side by side to clear refuse, desilt drainage channels, sweep major roads and clean public spaces, demonstrating the Lagos State Government’s commitment to environmental sustainability and healthy living.
Addressing participants, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu stressed that environmental sanitation should not be viewed as a monthly obligation but as a daily lifestyle capable of preventing diseases and improving the quality of life.
“A clean environment is a healthy environment. Every resident has a responsibility to keep his or her surroundings clean. Government cannot do it alone; we must all work together to protect our communities for ourselves and future generations,” she said.
Speaking further, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu commended the secondary school students who actively participated in the environmental sanitation exercise, describing their involvement as a deliberate effort to instil the culture of cleanliness and environmental responsibility in the younger generation.
“It is encouraging to see our young people taking part in this exercise. This is how we pass on the values of cleanliness, environmental stewardship and community service to the next generation. When children grow up with this culture, they will become responsible adults who understand the importance of protecting their environment,” she said.
The First Lady also applauded the residents of Eputu Royal London Community for their impressive turnout and active participation throughout the exercise.
“I sincerely commend the residents of Eputu Royal London for coming out in large numbers to support this exercise.
Your commitment demonstrates that building a cleaner Lagos is a collective responsibility, and I encourage you to sustain this spirit by keeping your environment clean every day, not just during the monthly sanitation exercise,” she added.
The Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, described the exercise as one of the council’s strategic initiatives aimed at promoting environmental responsibility, safeguarding public health and creating cleaner communities across the local government.
According to him, the council remains committed to supporting policies and programmes that encourage proper waste management, cleaner surroundings and sustainable environmental practices.
“Our environmental sanitation programme goes beyond today’s exercise. It is part of our continuous effort to build a healthier, safer and more sustainable Ibeju-Lekki where every resident understands the importance of protecting the environment,” Olowa said.
Speaking during an interview, the Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab, clarified that there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Lagos State.
“There is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Anyone arrested solely because they were moving around during the exercise has been unlawfully detained. What we encourage is active participation by residents in keeping their environment clean,” he said.
Wahab explained that the state government has moved away from restricting movement and now focuses on encouraging voluntary compliance, environmental education and behavioural change.
“Our objective is to make environmental cleanliness part of our daily culture. It is not about restricting movement but about ensuring that every resident takes ownership of the environment and disposes of waste responsibly,” he added.
Also speaking, the Supervisor for Environment, Hon. Tope Ogungbo Sofwan, applauded residents of Eputu for their impressive turnout and commitment to environmental sanitation.
“Today’s exercise reflects what can be achieved when government and the people work together. We urge residents not to wait until the next sanitation exercise before cleaning their surroundings. Let us avoid indiscriminate waste disposal, keep our drainage channels free from blockage and continue to support government efforts to maintain a cleaner Ibeju-Lekki,” he said.
Traditional rulers and community leaders equally commended the initiative, describing it as an important step towards reducing environmental pollution, preventing flooding and promoting healthier living conditions.
The council also appreciated sanitation workers, teachers, students, volunteers, community development associations and residents who actively participated in the exercise, urging them to sustain the momentum by making environmental cleanliness a continuous responsibility.
The successful exercise further reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government and the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government to strengthening environmental sustainability through active community participation, effective waste management and continuous public enlightenment.
